YLA won the nerve-wracking cup final after a penalty shootout, leaving OH Leuven empty-handed once again.

More than 120 minutes of football, two goals and eight penalties were needed to decide who could put the Belgian Cup into the empty cupboard for the first time.

Perhaps no one expected Club Brugge to be the underdog.

Because OH Leuven had the mental advantage: a better ranking in the Women's Super League and a cup final at home.

OH Leuven also started the game better and managed to take the lead after 10 minutes, but Kuijpers shot the club's keeper from close range and Van Dijk fired the rebound over the crossbar. Zommers also did not find her way to the goal with her head, but she reached it.

Club YLA had weathered the OHL rush and was waiting for itself. Vanmechelen almost had a free path to goal on the half-hour mark after OHL goalkeeper Lammertijn flapped on a long ball. Only offside prevented the match from turning.

After a more difficult period, the OHL team was still on the inside offensive just before halftime. The Covent goalkeeper felt, for a moment, truly unbeatable after Zoomers' efforts and Detroiter's beautiful curl.

Eventually, she had to succumb to a deflected shot from Janssen that flew over her and into the goal. 1-0 at the end of the first half. Good scenario for the OHL.

But Leuven refused to put in a good performance at the start of the second half. After a quick pass from Saar Janssens, the ball fell to Bezmans, who put it high over the goal from close range.

There was still no problem, and yet Leuven's defense surrendered the entire game. They slowed down and made mistakes, and Levins got the ball at his feet and didn't hesitate to score the equaliser.

A blow from which Leuven had to recover, an additional incentive for Klopp to maintain and perhaps increase the equal score. There were no longer any real chances, as the two teams continued to fall behind until the end of regular playing time.

Despite the short intermission, barrels remained empty and energy levels low in overtime. Everything was balanced, and the only thing was clear: penalty kicks had to decide who could lift the cup.

The decision will be made on the side where Leuven's supporters were sitting. This is not always an advantage.

As Nikée Van Dijk started the penalty series with a false penalty, the poor spot-kick almost rolled into the arms of Covent. Four penalty kicks later, Mertens made the same mistake.

The YLA club remained clear. Boutibi kept their composure and once again crowned themselves the absolute Cup champion for the people of Brugge by slowly, but well placed, slotting home the decisive penalty kick.

Tears flowed from both sides, one from joy and the other from sadness. The third time, an exciting time for YLA, who can claim the cup for the first time in the club's history.

Oud-Heverlee Leuven is once again suffering from a serious hangover. If you don't want to remain worthless, all hope now turns to the equally exciting title race.