UECL: KuPS Come From Behind to Beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1

KuPS secure first win of 2025/26 UECL phase campaign

KuPS got their UECL campaign off the mark with a 3-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, coming from behind to secure their first win of the 2025/26 phase.

Captain fantastic Pennanen nearly led by example again, as he came close to wrapping up the win shortly after the hour mark...

KuPS got their Conference League campaign back on track, coming from behind to beat Slovan Bratislava 3-1. Despite winning consecutive domestic league titles, KuPS fell behind early, with the visitors scoring after just three minutes.

Slovan Bratislava took an early lead, ending a 10-match losing streak, as Nino Marcelli scored a stunning goal past KuPS goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl. KuPS had chances to equalize, but Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba headed the ball high into the stands, and Dominik Takac made crucial saves to keep the score 1-0 at halftime.

KuPS Kuopio come from behind to take the lead 👊#UECL pic.twitter.com/OzLU6ggJdK

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) November 6, 2025

The hosts were invigorated after falling behind early, with Clinton Antwi and Petteri Pennanen creating scoring chances, but Slovan's goalkeeper Takac made crucial saves to keep the score 1-0. However, KuPS equalized just before halftime, with Antwi scoring a goal after a great assist from Doni Arifi. KuPS continued to press, and Antwi's goal sparked a strong finish to the half, with the teams level at 1-1.

Remarkably, KuPS turned the match on its head within three minutes of the restart as Pennanen powerfully headed home Bob Nii Armah’s delightful delivery.

Captain fantastic Pennanen nearly led by example again, as he came close to wrapping up the win shortly after the hour mark, but frustratingly found Takac in the way of his rebounded effort.

However, following a relatively quiet period in-play, the hosts eventually secured all three points in the 81st minute, with Jaakko Oksanen firing home a stunning free-kick that left Takac with no chance of making the save.

KuPS moved into the top spots of the UECL phase standings after their win, adding to their domestic league title celebrations. Slovan Bratislava's winless streak continues, with three losses in the competition, leaving them three points off the play-off positions.