Trabzonspor beats KuPS 2-0 in Conference League opener
Onuachu and Mohamed Salah score as Turkish side starts league phase with away win in Finland.
KEY POINTS
- Trabzonspor won 2-0 away to KuPS Kuopio in Conference League Matchday 1.
- Goals came from Onuachu (3') and Mohamed Salah (44').
- First European victory since August 2024, ending a six-game winless streak.
- 158th European match overall; first vs Finnish club since 1992.
- Thomas Reis emphasised defensive solidity as key to progression.
Trabzonspor defeated KuPS Kuopio 2-0 in the UEFA Conference League league phase opener at Tammelan Stadium on Thursday. Paul Onuachu opened the scoring in the third minute and Mohamed Salah doubled the lead just before half-time.
The victory ends a six-match winless run in European competition for the Black Sea club, whose last continental win came against Ruzomberok in August 2024. Manager Thomas Reis had stressed defensive discipline before the match, calling the start crucial for advancing from the league phase.
“Our priority is to defend well. We have the quality up front to score goals, but to use that we must first set a good example in defence.”
KuPS pressed high and proved dangerous on set pieces, but Trabzonspor exploited spaces behind the Finnish side's advanced defensive line. Goalkeeper Onana and the back line held firm to secure the clean sheet.
The match marked Trabzonspor's 158th European fixture and their first against a Finnish opponent since facing TPS Turku in 1992. Malta's Ishmael Barbara officiated the contest.
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