On July 8, KuPS will host the first leg of the 2025/26 Champions League qualification at their home stadium. The reigning champions of Moldova, Milsami, will travel to Finland for this crucial fixture.
See also: Virtus vs Zrinjski, Champions League qualification. Prediction, H2H and probable lineups
Match preview
The Finnish league is in full swing: KuPS have already played 16 matches, collected 30 points, and sit atop the Veikkausliiga table. Over their last five games, the team has secured three wins, recorded one draw, and suffered one defeat. In three of those fixtures, they scored at least three goals, underlining their attacking prowess. During this period, KuPS have conceded six times while netting 12 goals.
The Moldovan league has just kicked off, which could give Milsami a slight physical edge over KuPS: fresher legs and a burning desire to prove themselves and earn a spot in the starting eleven. In their opening three rounds, Milsami picked up six points, claiming two emphatic 3-0 victories before narrowly losing to their eternal rivals, Sheriff Tiraspol (1-2)—the very team whose title they snatched last season.
For the club from Orhei, this will be their first match at such a high level in 11 years, adding extra motivation to showcase their class.
Probable lineups
KuPS: Hakala, Arma, Lotjonen, Miettinen, Hamalainen, Arifi, Salo, Voutilainen, Luee-Lutumba, Heinonen, Sadiku
Milsami: Timbur, Chele, Ndon, Yoda, Ginsari, Zhardan, Lisu, Nwaeze, Olatunde, Takyi, Khali
Match facts and head-to-head
This will be the third meeting between these sides — in 2022, they faced off in the Conference League qualifiers. KuPS couldn't get past Milsami at home (2-2), but dominated the away leg against Piculschak's team, winning 4-1.
Each of Milsami's last three matches has seen three goals scored.
In KuPS's last four matches, both teams have found the net in three of them.
Prediction
Both teams are prolific in attack but vulnerable at the back, and their head-to-head history screams goals. Over 2.5 goals at 1.78 looks like the perfect bet for this encounter.
