Champions League qualification match: Vardar vs KuPS, game preview for July 7
On Tuesday, July 7, the pitch at the National Arena Toshe Proeski in Skopje (North Macedonia) will see the kickoff of a new European campaign. In the opening fixture of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 first qualifying round, local side Vardar will host Finland’s KuPS. For the hosts, this marks a highly anticipated and emotional return to Europe’s premier club competition after a nine-year absence, while the visitors from Kuopio are in the thick of their domestic league and are keen to capitalize on their sharper match fitness.
Vardar approach this clash fresh off a dominant domestic campaign—they clinched the 2025/26 North Macedonian championship in style, amassing 83 points and suffering just two defeats all season. The Macedonians finished strong, notching seven consecutive wins with a combined scoreline of 23:1. However, the summer brought major changes at the club: Argentine coach Cristian Fabbiani has replaced Goce Sedloski as head coach. The upcoming European tie will be Fabbiani’s debut in charge of the "red and blacks." He’ll be banking on Vardar’s impeccable home record (unbeaten in 19 of their last 21 home matches) and a disciplined defensive approach, looking to strike on the counter.
KuPS boast a huge advantage in terms of match fitness, as the Finnish Veikkausliiga is in full swing. Joonas Rantanen’s men are in sensational form and sit alone atop the league standings. Pundits were particularly impressed by their recent 4-0 demolition of perennial Finnish champions HJK on the road. The Finns play a high-intensity, athletic brand of football with relentless pressing, with creative playmaker Lucas Lingman and striker Mads Borchers providing the spark up front. Expect Rantanen to demand aggressive pressing from the opening whistle, aiming to unsettle a Vardar side still adapting to their new manager’s system.
The clash in Skopje promises to be a classic duel between cup pragmatism and fresh legs. Backed by their home crowd, Vardar will look to stay disciplined and try to neutralize KuPS’s physical edge by packing the midfield. KuPS will dominate possession and methodically probe the Macedonian flanks. The timing of the coaching change for the hosts, right before a crucial season opener, could disrupt their organization during transitions. Thanks to their superior match rhythm and settled lineup, the Finnish club look to be favorites for this first leg—expect KuPS to weather the early storm and leave Skopje with a hard-fought, narrow victory.
Prediction
I expect both teams to put on an attacking display—this should be an entertaining and open match. My prediction: total goals over (2) at 1.5 odds
