Vardar vs KuPS

KuPS silenced the Toše Proeski Arena, leaving Skopje with a commanding 0-2 first-leg victory over Vardar in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. The Finnish visitors were the sharper side throughout, making their moments count when it mattered most. Brahima Magassa broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time, converting a cross from Clinton Antwi to give KuPS the lead. Just four minutes into the second half, Bob Nii Armah doubled the advantage and effectively settled the tie. Vardar's evening went from bad to worse in the 74th minute when Nemanja Bosančić collected a second yellow card and was sent off, leaving the hosts to defend with ten men. KuPS registered six shots on target to Vardar's two, a figure that neatly captured their dominance. The Macedonian side now faces a steep climb in the return leg in Kuopio, while the Finnish club travel home with one foot firmly in the next round.