Oulu Stuns as HJK Triumphs in Helsinki Derby with Pukki’s Double

Gnistan 0-3 HJK

After suffering two defeats and only earning four points in last season’s four Helsinki derbies, HJK made a strong statement by securing a 3-0 victory at Mustapekka Areena. This success followed their Liiga Cup triumph in February, affirming their status as the leading club in the capital.

The turning point came just before the break, when Lucas Lingman set up Teemu Pukki to net his second goal of the season. Seven minutes into the second half, the seasoned striker showcased his speed once more, chasing down a long clearance from David Ezeh, rounding the goalkeeper, and scoring again.

Just before the final whistle, Mihailo Bogicevic marked his first goal for the club, sealing a convincing victory for HJK — their second win this season — while Gnistan remains without a point.

Jaro 1-1 KuPS

Champions KuPS dropped crucial points for the first time this season, settling for a late equaliser against Jaro, who are yet to record their first win despite consecutive draws.

Jaro seemed poised for an upset when the referee awarded a penalty after a handball, and Rudi Vikstrom expertly directed the ball past the goalkeeper from the spot, putting them ahead after 40 minutes.

However, in the 90th minute, Petteri Pennanen linked up with Jaime Moreno, who netted his third goal of the season to level the score.

AC Oulu 1-0 VPS

Leading the league with a perfect nine points from nine, AC Oulu surprised many after benefiting from a crucial red card decision midway through the second half, when Martti Haukioja received a straight red for fouling Julius Korkko.

Capitalising on their numerical advantage just seven minutes later, Oulu took the lead as Iiro Mendolin’s low strike from the edge of the box found the net. VPS ended the match with nine men after Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi was sent off in stoppage time, remaining on two points after suffering their first defeat of the season.

TPS 2-0 SJK

TPS, the only other team keeping pace with Oulu, notched a third match with a home victory over SJK, bringing their total to seven points.

Midway through the first half, Eetu Turkki delivered a deep cross that Albijon Muzaci volleyed in from close range. Muzaci later added his second goal early in the second half, leading TPS to their second consecutive win, while SJK suffered their second away defeat.

Mariehamn 2-2 Ilves

In an entertaining fixture at Aland, Mariehamn and Ilves each took a point, leaving both still in search of their first win this season.

The visitors took the lead midway through the first half thanks to Otto Tiitinen, who redirected a Jesse Kilo cutback into the net. However, Mariehamn equalised just before half-time through Emmanuel Patut’s well-placed volley from a corner.

Patut then turned provider, assisting Sebastian Dahlstrom to put Mariehamn ahead 10 minutes into the second half, yet they could only hold the lead for eight minutes as Kilo struck again, this time assisting Teemu Hytonen in bringing the teams level.

Lahti 0-2 Inter Turku

Following an opening day victory, newly-promoted Lahti faced back-to-back losses at home to an unbeaten Inter Turku side.

Alie Conteh missed a penalty that could have changed the game after an hour of play, but five minutes later, FC Inter capitalised on a set piece, with Johannes Yli-Kokko curling a free-kick beyond the helpless goalkeeper.

Jussi Niska then sealed the win in the dying moments of added time, as Inter Turku achieved consecutive victories.