KuPS Off To Ideal Start As Vardar Red Card Shapes UCL Tie

KuPS take control in North Macedonia with first leg victory

KuPS got their 2026/27 European campaign off to a strong start with a 2-0 win at Vardar, putting them in control ahead of the return leg in Kuopio.

KuPS make perfect start to Champions League with 2-0 win over Vardar...

KuPS are off to a strong start in the Champions League after beating Vardar 2-0 away in North Macedonia in the UCL First Qualifying Round first leg.

The Finnish champions reached the Conference League Phase last season. They’ll be aiming for another long European run this year, and every qualifying win puts them closer to at least the third-tier group stage, and potentially higher.

KuPS did their qualification hopes no damage in Skopje. Clinton Antwi teed up Brahima Magassa right on half-time to give the visitors the lead.

Bob Armah made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half. Vardar’s chances of a comeback took another hit with 16 minutes left when Nemanja Bosancic picked up two yellow cards in four minutes and was sent off.

The tie isn’t over for Vardar yet. They’ll need to travel to Kuopio on 14th July and win by two goals to stay in the Champions League. If not, they’ll drop into the UEFA Europa League qualifiers.