Oulu Shocks the Competition as HJK Claims Victory in Helsinki Derby with Pukki’s Two-Goal Performance

Gnistan 0-3 HJK

After enduring two defeats and collecting only four points in last season’s four Helsinki derbies, HJK returned to form with a convincing 3-0 win at Mustapekka Areena, following their Liiga Cup triumph in February, reaffirming their status as the frontrunners in the capital.

The pivotal moment occurred just before the interval when Lucas Lingman set up Teemu Pukki to net his second goal of the season. Seven minutes into the second half, the seasoned forward showcased his speed by chasing a long clearance from David Ezeh, rounding the goalkeeper, and scoring again to complete his brace.

With 11 minutes remaining, Mihailo Bogicevic netted his first goal for the club, sealing a comfortable victory for HJK — their second of the season as they bounced back from a loss to AC Oulu, while Gnistan remains without a point.

Jaro 1-1 KuPS

Defending champions KuPS dropped points for the first time this season, settling for a late equaliser against Jaro, who are still in search of their first win after two consecutive draws.

Jaro thought they had the upper hand after the referee awarded a handball in the box, leading to Rudi Vikstrom converting from the penalty spot to give them the lead after 40 minutes.

However, in the 90th minute, Petteri Pennanen set up Jaime Moreno, who found the net for his third goal of the season, ensuring both teams shared the spoils.

AC Oulu 1-0 VPS

Leading the standings and the only team with a full nine points from their first three games, AC Oulu enjoyed a key decision midway through the second half when Martti Haukioja was sent off for fouling Julius Korkko.

Just seven minutes later, Oulu capitalised on their numerical advantage as Iiro Mendolin’s low shot from outside the box found its way into the net, marking yet another victory for the hosts, while VPS, who finished the match with nine men after Oluwaseyi Ogunniyi’s late red card, are left with just two points after suffering their first defeat of the season.

TPS 2-0 SJK

Challenging Oulu for the best start of the season, newly-promoted TPS claimed their second consecutive victory, moving to seven points from three outings with a home win against SJK.

Midway through the first half, Eetu Turkki’s deep cross was nodded back across the goal, allowing Albijon Muzaci to volley home from close range. The Kosovar forward added his second early in the second half, solidifying the win, while SJK suffered losses in both their away matches this season.

Mariehamn 2-2 Ilves

An exciting clash on Aland ended in a stalemate, with Mariehamn and Ilves each taking a point, both teams still seeking their first win of the season.

The visitors opened the scoring midway through the first half when Otto Tiitinen slotted home a cutback from Jesse Kilo. However, the hosts equalised just before half-time as Emmanuel Patut struck a volley from a corner.

Patut then turned provider for Sebastian Dahlstrom, who gave Mariehamn the lead 10 minutes into the second half, but they held on to their advantage for only eight minutes as Kilo assisted Teemu Hytonen to pull the Tampere club level once again.

Lahti 0-2 Inter Turku

After starting the season with a win, newly-promoted Lahti suffered their second consecutive defeat at home, falling to the unbeaten Inter Turku.

Alie Conteh had a chance to break the deadlock after an hour but failed to convert a penalty. However, five minutes later, FC Inter took the lead from a set piece when Johannes Yli-Kokko curled a free-kick past the stationary goalkeeper.

Jussi Niska sealed the victory deep into injury time, as Turku continued their winning ways with back-to-back victories.