The Champions League first qualifying round kicks off in Kuopio as Finnish champions KuPS welcome Moldovan side Milsami to the Kuopion Keskuskenttä on Tuesday night. With both clubs looking at a place in the group stage of Europe’s most prestigious club competition, the stakes are high from the very first leg.
KuPS Look to Extend Impressive Run
After ending a four-year title drought with their 2024 Veikkausliiga triumph, KuPS return to the Champions League qualifiers for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign. They’ve carried their domestic success into the current season, sitting atop the Finnish league table with 29 points from 15 matches. Second-placed Ilves trail by a single point but have a game in hand.
Despite a minor slump in June with back-to-back losses, KuPS have found their rhythm again. They are unbeaten in their last four outings, including two wins, a draw, and a Finnish Cup shootout victory over Haka. Their recent 6-2 demolition of Gnistan showed their attacking skills, with 12 goals scored across those four matches.
Tuesday’s tie brings back memories of the 2022/23 Europa Conference League match between these two sides. KuPS won that match, which they advanced 6-3 on aggregate. Milsami did manage a 2-2 draw in Finland during that tie but suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat on their home turf.
Milsami Aim for Strong Away Performance
Milsami return to Champions League qualification for the first time since 2015-16, when they reached the third round before being knocked out by Albanian side Skenderbeu. Their 2024 Moldovan Super Liga title—only their second ever—has brought them back onto Europe’s biggest stage after a ten-year wait.
However, they arrive in Kuopio with questions to answer following a 2-1 home defeat to Sheriff Tiraspol. That result halted a short two-game winning streak and leaves them three points behind Sheriff in their domestic league standings.
Still, the Red Eagles will draw confidence from their past ability to earn a draw in Finland, and they’ll be aiming to improve on that performance this time around.
Team News
KuPS are expected to field the same side that drew 2-2 with AC Oulu in their most recent league match. With no fresh injury concerns, Jarkko Wiss will likely stick with a settled strong starting XI.
The strike duo of Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba and Agon Sadiku remains key. Luyeye-Lutumba, who already has five league goals to his name this season, is set to lead the line once again.
Milsami, likewise, has a fully fit squad available. Nigerian defender Christopher Nwaeze, currently on loan from Zorya, is eligible for European competition despite being sent off in their last domestic game. He is expected to partner fellow Nigerian Oladotun Olatunde-Matthew in central defense.
Predicted Lineups
KuPS possible starting XI:
Hakala; Armah, Lotjonen, Miettinen, Hamalainen; Salo, Arifi, Voutilainen, Pennanen; Luyeye-Lutumba, Sadiku
Milsami possible starting XI:
Timbur; Jardan, Olatunde-Matthew, Nwaeze, Takyi; Lisu, Yoda; Khali, Ginsari, Chele; London
What to Expect
KuPS enter the tie with better form, home advantage, and recent success in this fixture. However, Milsami have shown they can frustrate Finnish opposition on their day. With both sides boasting full squads and something to prove, Tuesday’s match promises to be a tightly contested opening leg in this Champions League qualifier.
