Veikkausliiga: FC Inter and SJK Secure Crucial Wins

FC Inter close gap on leaders KuPS with 2-1 win over Gnistan

The Veikkausliiga title race heats up: FC Inter and SJK secure crucial wins in the Veikkausliiga, moving closer to leaders KuPS.

In the 91st minute, Armaan Wilson bundled the ball home from a corner, sparking a dramatic finale...

The top three teams in the Veikkausliiga are neck and neck, with just three points separating them as the league enters its final stretch. FC Inter Turku and SJK capitalized on their games in hand to secure crucial wins, moving closer to league leaders KuPS. SJK is riding high on a four-match winning streak, thanks to a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over HJK, who continue to struggle.

The visitors took the lead in the 12th minute when Lauri Laine pounced on a loose ball, allowing Jeremiah Streng to slot it into an empty net. However, HJK quickly equalized, with Benji Michel scoring a powerful header just seven minutes later.

The tie was short-lived, as the Seinajoki side regained the lead just eight minutes after the equalizer. Laine was again instrumental, this time setting up Alenis Vargas to score and put his team back in front.

A handball in the area allowed Teemu Pukki to equalize for HJK from the penalty spot, just after the hour mark. The hosts thought they had secured the win four minutes from time when Ayo Obileye scored an own goal. However, SJK staged a dramatic turnaround in stoppage time.

In the 91st minute, Armaan Wilson bundled the ball home from a corner, sparking a dramatic finale.

SJK managed to keep the ball alive after another corner was half-cleared, and Babacar Fati seized the opportunity to thread a pass through to Olatoundji Tessilimi. Tessilimi powered the winning shot past Henriksson at the near post, securing the victory in the 96th minute.

HJK Helsinki is currently 10 points off the top in fifth place, having yet to secure a win in the Championship Group. Their title aspirations now hinge on outperforming KuPS in the upcoming matches.

Inter Turku moved two points clear of SJK and just one behind league leaders KuPS after coming from behind to beat 10-man Gnistan 2-1. Gnistan, already guaranteed sixth place, had taken the lead in the third minute when Tim Vayrynen's shot deflected off a defender and looped over goalkeeper Eetu Huuhtanen. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Gnistan's lead was short-lived as Inter Turku staged a comeback to secure the win.

Despite having nothing to play for, Lucas von Hellens' reckless tackle on Jean Botue earned him a straight red card in the 16th minute. This turning point in the game allowed Inter Turku to gain momentum.

FC Inter ottaa kuskinpaikan kotonaan🤝#TältäTuntuu #Veikkausliiga pic.twitter.com/oLJSjfhAij

— Veikkausliiga (@Veikkausliiga) October 22, 2025

Dimitri Legbo equalized 20 minutes later when he lashed a ball into the roof of the net after a corner kick was diverted into his path.

FC Inter had to work hard for the win despite their man advantage, but ultimately secured the three points when Dimitri Legbo's cross was met by Loic Essomba, who buried a cushioned volley just before the 75-minute mark.

The win marked two successive victories for FC Inter, setting them up for their upcoming match against HJK. Meanwhile, Gnistan's defeat leaves them looking to turn their fortunes around when they face Ilves, having lost six of their last seven matches.