caspianpost.com
Last week, the team from Finland KuPS Kuopio won 2-0 at home, which putts them in a strong position for the upcoming return match. For the first time ever, the Yellow and Blacks are eyeing a place in the third qualifying round, where Slovan Bratislava would most likely be their next opponent. Despite the anything but favorable starting position ahead of the upcoming home Kairat already caused a major upset in the first qualifying round. At least they eliminated Olimpija Ljubljana, a team that could still reach the intermediate round of the Conference League. Another positive aspect is that the hosts are having another good league season so far, currently leading the standings in the domestic league with Astana on points and are especially difficult to beat at home. In seven home matches, they have recorded five wins, one draw, and just one loss. The only four goals they have conceded are also a top record by national standards. The dress rehearsal for the Champions League second leg ended with a crucial 3-1 away win at rivals Tobyl Kostanay. The guests manage to eliminate Milsami from Moldova in the first qualifying round. KuPS haven't conceded a single goal in any of their three European Cup matches. For the return match on Tuesday evening, the Finns' top priority will once again be to defend well, defend passionately and to break the home side's rhythm.
