UEFA Champions League First Qualifier Results
According to Championat.
Context
KuPS, a Finnish club, showed potential in the first leg by beating Vardar, but were unable to maintain their lead in the second leg. Their participation in the Champions League is a reflection of the growth of football in Finland, but their early elimination could impact their confidence for the rest of the season.
Why this matters
KuPS's elimination from the UEFA Champions League highlights the competitiveness of the qualifying phase, where teams from different leagues fight intensely for a place in the group stage. The 3-2 defeat, after a 2-0 lead in the first game, highlights the unpredictability of football, especially in high-level competitions like the Champions League.
Main conclusions
- UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Results.
- On July 14th, the second legs of the first round of the 2026/2027 UEFA Champions League were held, with teams fighting for continuity in the competition.
- Лига чемпионов УЕФА, первый квалификационный раунд: результаты матчей on 14 июля - Чемпионат.
On July 14th, the second leg of the first UEFA Champions League qualifier for the 2026/2027 season took place. This initial phase of the competition brought a series of emotions and results that defined which teams advanced to the next stage of the tournament.
In the meeting between KuPS from Finland and Vardar from North Macedonia, the Finns lost 3-2, after winning the first game 2-0. Inter Club Escaldense, from Andorra, drew 1-1 with Lincoln from Gibraltar, but were unable to reverse the result of the first leg in which they lost 3-1.
The Iberia 1999 team from Georgia had a balanced game against Flora from Estonia, finishing 2-2, but nevertheless advanced after winning the first game 3-2. Riga from Latvia made an impressive comeback, beating Ararat-Armenia 3-2, having lost the previous game 0-2.
Diór from Hungary and Vikingur from Reykjavik drew 2-2, but the Hungarians were unable to overcome their defeat in the first game, where they lost 0-1. Bulgaria's Levski showed their strength by beating Borac Banja Luka of Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-0 after a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
The New Saints, from Wales, were eliminated by Sabah from Azerbaijan, losing 2-1, as they had been defeated 0-2 in the first leg. Kosovo's Drita beat Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris 2-3 after a 1-1 draw in the first game.
Lastly, Shamrock Rovers of Ireland thrashed Floriana of Malta 5-1, recovering from a 0-2 defeat in the first leg, while Larne of Northern Ireland beat Tre Fiori of San Marino 2-1, advancing after a 1-0 victory in the first game.
The results of the second legs of the first UEFA Champions League qualifier demonstrated the competitiveness and unpredictability that characterizes this stage of the tournament. The next round of games is scheduled for July 15th, where more teams will fight for their place in the group stage of the most prestigious competition in European football.
What happens next
With KuPS eliminated, the team will now have to focus on their domestic season while Vardar advance to the next stage of the Champions League. Performance in domestic competitions will be crucial for morale and preparation for future European campaigns.
Frequently asked questions
What was the score of the match between KuPS and Vardar?
KuPS lost to Vardar 3-2.
How was the classification after the Champions League first round games?
KuPS was eliminated after losing to Vardar, while Vardar advanced to the next stage.
When is KuPS's next Champions League game?
KuPS' next game was not specified as they were eliminated.
Which other teams advanced in the Champions League?
Teams that advanced include Vardar, Iberia 1999, Riga, Levski, Drita and Shamrock Rovers.
How many goals were scored in the game between Ibéria 1999 and Flora?
The game between Ibéria 1999 and Flora ended 2-2.