Ilves’ dreadful beginning to the new Veikkausliiga season persisted as they allowed VPS their first victory of the campaign. Meanwhile, TPS maintained their unbeaten streak with a draw against Gnistan, while SJK and Jaro also ended their match in a stalemate.
VPS 3-2 Ilves
The side that finished third last season has managed to secure only one point from their first four fixtures this term, making it evident that Ilves had too much ground to cover after a remarkably strong first half from VPS, who celebrated their first league win of 2026.
It took just four minutes for Vilmer Ronnberg to put the home team ahead after a chaotic corner, and VPS doubled their lead in the 27th minute when Jonathan Muzinga capitalised on goalkeeper Faris Krkalic’s misjudged clearance to tap into an empty net.
The pivotal moment emerged in first-half added time, as Jayden Turfkruier assisted Simon Lindholm for VPS’ third goal. This proved vital, as Ilves responded strongly in the second half, with Jardell Kanga converting a penalty just five minutes in, followed by Oskari Multala netting from a corner shortly after the hour mark.
However, the Vaasa outfit managed to clamp down defensively for the final 30 minutes, securing the win, which elevates them into the top half of the table with five points. Ilves remain at 11th place with just one point.
TPS 1-1 Gnistan
Returning to the top tier, TPS are thriving, currently sitting third in the table and still unbeaten thanks to a dramatic last-gasp equaliser that denied Gnistan their first win of the season. The Helsinki side did manage to pick up a point but continues to anchor the bottom of the table.
Adeleke Akinyemi managed to shake off the last defender to meet a long clearance from goalkeeper Alexandro Craninx, rounding the TPS keeper before rolling the ball into the back of the net to give the visitors a 70th-minute lead.
It seemed like that would be the winning moment until deep into stoppage time when Timo Zaal slotted a pass to Samuel Anini who, stylishly from the left side of the box, curled the ball into the opposite bottom corner to secure the draw.
SJK 1-1 Jaro
A potential goal of the season contender was scored just 10 minutes into the clash in Seinajoki, as Luka Wekstrom cut in from the left and unleashed a thunderous shot from 35 yards that rocketed into the top corner to give Jaro the lead.
However, winless Jaro was forced to accept their third consecutive draw after an equaliser early in the second half, with Elias Mastokangas delivering a pinpoint pass to Jeremiah Streng, who netted his second of the season for SJK, who occupy a spot above Jaro in the standings, still searching for their first win.
Two further matches will take place this weekend on Saturday, leading up to the highly anticipated clash between KuPS and HJK, who have dominated the Veikkausliiga over the past decade, on Sunday in Kuopio.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
