KuPS returned to winning ways in the Veikkausliiga with a 2-0 victory over VPS, moving to within one point of league leaders Inter Turku.

KuPS 2-0 VPS

Consecutive narrow defeats to AC Oulu and Inter Turku had seen KuPS slip from first to third in the standings. Their preparations for the clash with VPS were further disrupted by a midweek home defeat to Trabzonspor in the UEFA Conference League.

VPS, meanwhile, arrived after ending a run of three consecutive defeats, but they soon found themselves under pressure. Less than 10 minutes into the match, Lassana Mane brought down Bob Armah inside the penalty area, giving KuPS an early opportunity to take the lead.

Jaime Moreno stepped up to take the resulting penalty and confidently converted from the spot, putting the hosts ahead and giving KuPS the perfect start as they looked to get their league campaign back on track.

Moreno and Armah continued to trouble the visitors as the first half progressed. After the Nicaraguan striker won possession in the VPS half, Armah took charge and drove towards the edge of the penalty area. He then exchanged a neat one-two with Moreno before calmly finishing to double KuPS’s advantage.

VPS attempted to mount a comeback after the break, but Wilson Samake missed an opportunity to bring the Vaasa-based side back into contention. Joslyn Luyeye-Lutumba also failed to add a third goal for KuPS, although the hosts ultimately did enough to secure all three points.

The victory moves KuPS to within one point of Veikkausliiga leaders Inter Turku. However, the defending champions remain third in the standings, behind HJK on goal difference. VPS occupy sixth place, three points behind Gnistan, who currently hold the final European qualification spot.