Sorry, grandson, Eagles go ahead and take the maiden cup trophy

For the first time in the club's history, the Dutch minnows Go Ahead Eagles won a trophy in the KNVB Beker (Dutch Cup), beating the favourites AZ Alkmaar 4-2 on penalties after scoring an equalizer in the 99th minute of the game!

However, except for a magnificent "Cinderella story" and a thrilling final full of excitement, the final of the Cup brought an extraordinary moment - a duel between a grandfather and a grandson.

Since 1956, when professional football started to be played in the Netherlands, Go Ahead Eagles have spent 33 seasons in the top tier, 31 in the second league, and three in the third flight. Simply put, they were never near the Dutch football elite.

In the 21st century, the club from Deventer spent only 11 seasons in the Eredivisie, and once they were relegated in 2005, they returned only after eight seasons. Yet, about a decade ago, the club's legends gathered to help the club, both financially and with their knowledge, experience, and advice.

One of them was Bert van Marwijk, the former AZ player and Feyenoord, Borussia Dortmund, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and UAE boss, who started his playing career with Go Ahead Eagles, spending six seasons at De Adelaarshorst Stadium.

Thanks to Van Marwijk and other legends, the popular "Pride of the IJssel Kowet" became a regular Eredivisie side, which participated several times in the European competitions' qualifiers, though unsuccessfully. However, last night Go Ahead Eagles left no prisoners, as the Cup trophy secured them their maiden UEFA Europa League qualification.

Of course, Van Marwijk was at the stadium last night, watching the game and celebrating afterwards. Yet it wouldn't have been odd if his grandson wasn't playing for the defeated AZ!

Namely, the 72-year-old's daughter Andra is married to the legendary Dutch midfielder Mark van Bommel, whose son Ruben spent 81 minutes on the pitch in the final.

In the end, the grandfather emerged triumphant in this unique clash, and we can only hope that the encounter between grandpa Bert and the young Ruben at the next family dinner won't be awkward.