The Go Ahead Eagles are heading to the KNVB Cup final after pulling off a stunning upset over PSV Eindhoven, winning 2-1 on the road at the Philips Stadion. This triumph puts the Deventer club back on the map, as it is their first appearance in the KNVB Cup final since 1965, and it has reignited their fan base's hopes and ambitions for silverware.
Following the match, team captain Mats Deijl expressed disbelief and joy at the outcome of the semi-final. "I think nobody dared to dream this beforehand," he said, reflecting on the emotions of the victory. The Eagles' impressive run is being praised widely, and players believe reaching the final could mean even more than playing on the European stage. "Yes, I think so. It would be something even more special, perhaps. It would be the icing on the cake after the last four years we've spent in the Eredivisie," Deijl added.
Before this match, the Go Ahead Eagles had successfully navigated through the earlier rounds of the KNVB Cup, but the semi-final against PSV wasn't expected to be straightforward. PSV had been unpredictable recently, showing fluctuations in form compared to their previous dominance. Deijl pointed out the importance of their strategy going forward: "We knew we didn't know what kind of PSV we would face today. We had to be sharp and press them high, like we did against Ajax earlier this season. If we play with the right attitude, we can create chances."
During the match, the Eagles executed their game plan effectively, exploiting the space left by PSV, which resulted in their two goals. According to Deijl, the adaptability showed by his team made the difference. "We made use of the spaces they left behind. We punished them well for it. I thought we were very good on the ball qualitatively. Plus, we showed we could defend very well." His confidence shone through, especially when coupled with the support from traveling fans, whose energy lifted the squad.
Despite the difficulties and challenges faced throughout the season, the Eagles dominated the game and left PSV’s coach, Peter Bosz, visibly defeated post-match. Bosz acknowledged, "The difference between the first and second half was significant. That cannot happen, especially not at the top level. We need to be more stable," which signals the growing pressure within the ranks of PSV.
Looking forward, Go Ahead Eagles will face either Heracles Almelo or AZ Alkmaar in the cup final, which takes place on April 21. Fans are already buzzing with anticipation, marking this moment as one of the most significant since the team last reached the final decades ago. Deijl hopes the cup final will provide another occasion for supporters to rally around the team. "We would have preferred to play at home, but we know how much support we can expect from our traveling fans. It is the semi-final of the cup, and I hope they stand behind us the entire match. We will try to make it a fight and put pressure on our opponent," he commented.
The historic win serves not just as a sporting success but also as a source of pride for Deventer, affirming the club's sudden rise after recent seasons of uncertainty. This remarkable cup run has been described as transformative for the club, offering renewed energy and legitimacy within Dutch football.
After the match, Deijl reflected on the return trip to Deventer, noting the realization of what the team had achieved would likely sink in as they traveled home. "I don’t think I fully grasp what has happened yet; I’m still fully focused on the match. I believe it will only occur to me when we get back to Deventer," he said, capturing the mixture of celebration and disbelief felt by the players. Fans are eager to return to their home ground with the title of KNVB Cup finalists, as the entire city prepares to usher Go Ahead Eagles back as champions.
The path to the final is set, and for Go Ahead Eagles, this moment promises to be just the beginning of what could become one of the most storied chapters yet for the club.