Finnish champions KuPS have advanced to the second qualifying round of the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League after a challenging second leg against North Macedonia's Vardar. Despite leading 2-0 from the first leg, KuPS faced a late scare, ultimately winning the tie 4-3 on aggregate.

Match Overview

In the second leg, KuPS fell to a 2-3 defeat against Vardar, but their aggregate score secured their progression. The Finnish side will now face either Sabah from Azerbaijan or The New Saints from Wales in the next round, with the first leg scheduled for July 21 or 22, and the return leg in Kuopio on July 28 or 29.

Game Highlights

KuPS appeared to have done the hard work in the first leg, where goals from Brahima Magassa and Bob Armah gave them a comfortable lead. However, in the second leg, Vardar threatened early on, with Boban Nikolov missing a chance that could have changed the game's momentum. The first half ended without significant action, as both teams struggled to create clear opportunities.

Things took a turn for KuPS in the second half when Saku Savolainen inadvertently scored an own goal, putting Vardar ahead on the night. KuPS seemed to escape further punishment when Gerson Rodrigues was brought down in the box, but a late penalty awarded to Vardar allowed Goran Zakaric to equalize, sending the match into extra time.

Decisive Moments

During extra time, KuPS finally found their rhythm. In the 100th minute, Clinton Antwi assisted Armah, who scored to give KuPS the lead. However, Vardar responded quickly, with Ian Puleio heading in a cross from Zakaric just two minutes later, keeping the tension high until the final whistle.

Despite the late drama, KuPS managed to hold on to their aggregate lead, ensuring their place in the next round of the Champions League.