Champions League Qual: KuPS vs Vardar 14/07/2026

KuPS already demonstrated the gap in quality and match fitness in the first leg, and they are expected to comfortably secure their place in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League in front of their home fans.

Betting on the Match Winner

Finnish champions KuPS took a major step toward reaching the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Vardar 2-0 in the first leg of their tie in Skopje.

A much closer contest had been expected, but the main reason behind KuPS’ convincing victory was Vardar’s disappointing performance in front of their own supporters. The hosts managed to keep the score level until the closing moments of the first half but failed to hold on until the break. KuPS took the lead in the 45th minute through defender Magas, a goal that visibly shook the Macedonian side. The visitors started the second half with far greater confidence and quickly doubled their advantage. From that point on, they controlled the game without taking unnecessary risks and comfortably saw out the match.

Vardar have very little reason for optimism heading into the return leg. They struggled to compete with KuPS even on home soil, and now they face a trip to a side that has suffered just one defeat in its opening 15 league matches this season. The Finnish league is also currently at a much higher competitive level than the Macedonian championship. Another important advantage for the hosts is that the Veikkausliiga is in full swing, while Vardar’s first official match of the season was the opening leg against KuPS. This is a common issue for clubs from this part of Europe, whose domestic campaigns begin after the European qualifiers have already started. Everything points toward KuPS controlling proceedings once again and comfortably sealing qualification for the next round with another confident victory.