The 2009 KNVB Cup Final was a football match between Heerenveen and FC Twente on 17 May 2009 at De Kuip, Rotterdam. It was the final match of the 2008–09 KNVB Cup competition. Heerenveen beat FC Twente on penalties after the match finished 2–2 after extra time. It was the side's first KNVB Cup trophy.
Heerenveen beat a team in the playoffs.
We know this is true because they won the championship, so they definitely beat a team in playoffs. I think the system has a hard time with synonyms.