The Cup final reflected the championship – the second best teams reached the final in one last attempt to prove their worth: Standard vs Lokeren. The final was unquestionable triumph of the up and coming younger team, which may not have been ready to win the championship, but was very strong indeed – Standard won 4-0.
Lokeren finished twice second-best, which was rightful testimony for the real class of the team – it was just that: second-best, not a winner.
Standard had a lot in its own favour: bright squad and great coach – Ernst Happel turned everything he touched with his bad temper and brandy glass into gold. Feyenoord, FC Brugge, Holland, now Standard. Too bad this was last year coaching Standard – he was moving to new and greater conquests. Plenty of talent here, both domestic and foreign, slightly younger players than Anderlecht’s squad, a team with a future. A second life for Ralf Edstrom, who returned to the spotlights after what seemed to be steady decline. Wonderful Eric Gerets.
May be the team needed one or two finishing touches, but for the moment – 4th cup, their first since 1966-67. Also their biggest success since 1970-71 – clearly, Standard was back at last.