KuPs earned a hard-fought 2-1 away victory against Rigas Futbola Skola in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League qualifier on August 7, 2025. The Finnish side came from behind to secure a crucial advantage ahead of the return fixture in Kuopio. The Latvian hosts, RFS, started brightly and were rewarded with an early goal, taking a deserved lead. KuPs, however, grew into the game and showed their European experience, leveling the score before the interval. The match winner came in the second half from a well-worked team move, giving KuPs a lead to defend. RFS pushed for an equalizer but found the KuPs defense resolute. This result puts KuPs in the driver's seat for the second leg, where a draw at home would be enough to see them through to the next round of qualification.