The Cup final opposed KAA Gent to Standard and under normal circumstances, it would not have been any mystery: Standard was too strong. But Standard was paying the price for its stupid bribing deals in the previous season and was not in perfect shape. Of course, having a chance to win a trophy fueled ambitions in the underdog camp and when the referee blew the final whistle, it was KAA Gent 2 – Standard 0.
Look it as you like: stupid decision to win the championship a bit easier the previous season led to disaster this season and arguably the best Belgian squad at the moment finished with nothing. Or, good as they were, Standard lost a single match to more motivated team.
Proud Cup winners, standing from left: Tony Rombouts, Luc Criel, Soren Busk, Willy Quipor, Guy Hanssens, Andre Laureyssen
Bottom, left to right: Johann Van Looy, Kiyika Tokodi, Rene Mucher, Michel DeWolf, Cees Schapendonk .
Compared to Standard, this squad was… nothing. Even Soren Busk was unfamiliar name yet. Therefore, it was great and lovely victory of the small guys. This was only the second trophy KAA Gent won – previously, they won the Cup in 1964. And, interestingly enough, they had perfect record – KAA Gent may have reached the Cup final only twice, but both times they won the trophy. Every final they played, they won.