Gnistan Stuns HJK with Thrilling 3-2 Win in Veikkausliiga

Gnistan Stuns HJK in Veikkausliiga

Gnistan made history by defeating HJK 3-2, becoming the first team to win twice at HJK's home ground in a single Veikkausliiga season. This impressive victory dealt a significant blow to HJK's title aspirations, leaving their road to the championship even more challenging.

Gnistan's win showcases their growing strength and determination in the league...

Gnistan made history in the Helsinki derby, coming from behind to defeat HJK Helsinki 3-2 at Bolt Arena. This win marks the second time Gnistan has triumphed over HJK at their home ground this season, with the first win being a 1-0 victory in April. Gnistan's victory dealt a significant blow to HJK's title ambitions, leaving them five points off the top of the table with their title rivals having a game in hand.

HJK Helsinki remains in fourth place, five points off the top, while Gnistan's win propels them closer to the summit in the Championship Round. The result shakes up the title race, leaving HJK to ponder on their defensive concentration in critical moments. Gnistan's resilience and attacking verve mark them as genuine contenders in the Veikkausliiga.

HJK seized an early opportunity when a corner kick wasn't cleared by Gnistan, and Lucas Lingman capitalized on the moment. He powered the ball into the net from close range, giving HJK the lead and setting the tone for the match.

With Gnistan having little to play for, the focus was on the top contenders in the Championship Group. HJK saw a chance to close the gap with Ilves, who are currently two points ahead. The match was expected to follow a predictable pattern, with HJK pushing for a win to move into second place.

IF Gnistan tyylillä tasoihin😎#tältätuntuu #Veikkausliiga pic.twitter.com/VkabFkDsJz

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) October 3, 2025

As the half-hour mark approached, Gnistan began to show their determination, with Oliver Pettersson's shot being saved by Ricardo Friedrich. However, Didrik Hafstad was on hand to bundle in the rebound, equalizing for Gnistan and injecting new life into the match.

Just before halftime, HJK restored their lead when Santeri Hostikka set up Teemu Pukki, who capitalized on the opportunity to take HJK 2-1 ahead into the break. Despite this advantage, HJK were unable to build on their momentum and secure the win.

Ten minutes after the restart, Roman Eremenko leveled the score for Gnistan with a powerful low drive that arrowed into the bottom corner. As the match wore on, chances began to dry up at both ends, and it seemed increasingly likely that HJK would have to settle for a draw.

However, in the third minute of added time, Gnistan stunned HJK with a dramatic turn of events. Vertti Hanninen launched a free-kick forward, which was flicked on and brought down by Tim Väyrynen. Väyrynen then stabbed the ball home, securing a winning goal for Gnistan in an electrifying finish.

Haka's fortunes continue to dwindle after throwing away a potential win against Jaro. Despite James Akintunde's goal with about 25 minutes left to play, sealing a 1-0 lead for Haka seemed within grasp. However, Rudi Vikstrom's equalizer in the 87th minute and Albin Bjorkskog's winner in the 90th+7 minute marked a dramatic turn of events, handing Jaro a 2-1 victory.

Tältä tuntuu Veikkausliiga.#tältätuntuu #Veikkausliiga pic.twitter.com/vD6tTsfCVA

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) October 3, 2025

This loss sees Haka stuck in the relegation playoff spot. Their fate hangs precariously in the balance, with KTP looming close behind. Should KTP secure a point or more against Mariehamn on Saturday, Haka will plummet to the foot of the standings with just one match left to play. Currently, the standings in the Relegation Group have VPS Vaasa at the top with 31 points, followed closely by FF Jaro and IFK Mariehamn, both with 28 points. Haka, on the other hand, sits at the fifth position with 17 points