KuPS vs Vardar Skopje

UEFA Champions League · Jul 14, 2026 · 15:00

Final score: KuPS 2–3 Vardar Skopje

Match preview

The UEFA Champions League preliminary rounds kick off with KuPS hosting Vardar Skopje on July 14, 2026, a clash that sees two sides with contrasting recent fortunes. KuPS enter this fixture in strong form, unbeaten in their last three outings with two wins and a draw, and an impressive defensive record of zero goals conceded. Their 67% win rate underscores a confident start to their campaign.

Conversely, Vardar Skopje have struggled significantly. With just one win in their last seven matches and a mere 14% win rate, their defensive vulnerabilities are stark, having shipped 15 goals while scoring seven. This disparity in form creates a compelling narrative, as KuPS will look to leverage their home advantage and defensive solidity against a Vardar side desperate for a turning point. Watch for KuPS's disciplined backline to stifle Vardar's attacking efforts, while the visitors will need a monumental defensive improvement to contain the Finnish hosts. The even 33% win probability for all outcomes suggests unpredictability despite the form guide.

Recent form

KuPS

• W Jul 7, 2026: Vardar Skopje 0–2 KuPS

Vardar Skopje

• L Jul 7, 2026: Vardar Skopje 0–2 KuPS

Head-to-head

• 2026-07-07T17:00:00+00:00: Vardar Skopje 0–2 KuPS

Lineups

KuPS (Formation: 4-2-3-1)

1. Johannes Kreidl, 29. Akseli Puukko, 28. Brahima Magassa, 4. Kasim Adams, 25. Clinton Antwi, 10. Valentín Gasc, 8. Petteri Pennanen, 16. Tommi Jyry, 9. Gustav Engvall, 24. Bob Nii Armah, 11. Jaime Moreno

Vardar Skopje (Formation: 4-4-2)

95. Davor Taleski, 21. Georgije Jankulov, 14. Darko Velkovski, 4. Mislav Matić, 34. Ian Puleio, 99. Joaquín Torres, 8. Boban Nikolov, 32. Diego Castañeda, 71. Miguel Pires, 9. Azer Omeragikj, 10. Goran Zakarić

Match events

• 24' Card Yellow Card — A. Puukko (KuPS)
• 44' Card Yellow Card — V. R. Gasc (KuPS)
• 44' Card Yellow Card — G. Rodrigues (Vardar Skopje)
• 46' subst Substitution 1 — A. Puukko (KuPS) (assists: S. Savolainen)
• 58' subst Substitution 2 — G. Engvall (KuPS) (assists: S. Touray)
• 58' subst Substitution 3 — J. J. Moreno Ciorciari (KuPS) (assists: P. Parzyszek)
• 59' Goal Own Goal — S. Savolainen (Vardar Skopje)
• 74' subst Substitution 1 — Miguel Pires (Vardar Skopje) (assists: E. Spahiu)
• 74' subst Substitution 2 — A. Omeragic (Vardar Skopje) (assists: I. Puleio)
• 85' subst Substitution 3 — M. Manevski (Vardar Skopje) (assists: G. Zakaric)
• 87' Card Yellow Card — E. Spahiu (Vardar Skopje)
• 88' Card Yellow Card — C. Fabbiani (Vardar Skopje)
• 90'+1 Goal Penalty — G. Zakaric (Vardar Skopje)
• 90'+5 subst Substitution 4 — F. Najdovski (Vardar Skopje) (assists: N. Mishkovski)
• 90'+6 Card Yellow Card — P. Parzyszek (KuPS)
• 90'+11 Card Yellow Card — S. Savolainen (KuPS)
• 93' subst Substitution 5 — D. Velkovski (Vardar Skopje) (assists: F. Cvetkovski)
• 100' Goal Normal Goal — B. Armah (KuPS) (assists: C. Antwi)
• 102' Goal Normal Goal — I. Puleio (Vardar Skopje) (assists: G. Zakaric)
• 105'+1 Goal Penalty — P. Parzyszek (KuPS)
• 105'+2 subst Substitution 4 — T. Jyry (KuPS) (assists: A. Lotjonen)
• 106' subst Substitution 6 — D. Castaneda (Vardar Skopje) (assists: D. Babunski)
• 111' subst Substitution 5 — P. Pennanen (KuPS) (assists: N. Kujasalo)
• 111' subst Substitution 6 — B. Armah (KuPS) (assists: J. Luyeye-Lutumba)
• 113' Card Yellow Card — N. Mishkovski (Vardar Skopje)
• 120'+2 Card Yellow Card — F. Cvetkovski (Vardar Skopje)