KuPS’ hopes of retaining their Veikkausliiga title are hanging by a thread after suffering a 2-0 defeat to AC Oulu. Their title defence will officially come to an end if either Inter Turku or HJK win their respective matches on November 2.

AC Oulu 2-0 KuPS

Two consecutive draws had already left KuPS three points behind their main title challengers with only two matches remaining. Their defeat against Oulu means they failed to close the gap, leaving their hopes of securing an unprecedented third consecutive league title dependent on other results.

KuPS will be eliminated from the title race if Inter Turku defeat Gnistan or HJK overcome VPS later in the round.

Meanwhile, AC Oulu strengthened their position in the battle for European qualification, moving four points clear of Gnistan and taking a major step towards securing the final place in next season’s UEFA Conference League. VPS, meanwhile, have officially been eliminated from the race for European football.

The hosts opened the scoring before the ninth minute, capitalising on a costly defensive mistake from KuPS. Samuel Pasanen struggled to control a pass from goalkeeper Johannes Kreidl, allowing Camilo Triana to collect the loose ball and calmly finish.

KuPS attempted to respond before the break, but Oulu defended well and also had a second goal ruled out for offside after Rasmus Karjalainen found the net.

AC Oulu continued to create the better opportunities early in the second half. However, KuPS produced their best chance as the final 15 minutes approached, when Piotr Parzyszek found himself in a promising position. His effort looked destined for the net, but Miguel Santos produced an excellent full-stretch save to his right to keep Oulu ahead.

AC Oulu responded quickly to KuPS’ growing threat, extending their advantage just a few minutes later. Rasmus Karjalainen exchanged a neat one-two with Lamine Ghezali, who delivered a perfectly timed pass to send the striker through on goal. This time, Karjalainen stayed onside and calmly placed his finish into the bottom corner.

Miguel Santos and the Oulu defence remained organised during the closing stages, keeping KuPS at bay to secure an important clean-sheet victory.

The result marked AC Oulu’s third win in their last four matches, further strengthening their push for European qualification. In contrast, KuPS have managed just two victories from nine games in the Championship Group, leaving their title defence in serious danger.