HJK climbed to second place in the Veikkausliiga standings, moving ahead of defending champions KuPS after securing a dramatic late victory over AC Oulu. Meanwhile, VPS defeated Gnistan to intensify the battle for European qualification.

AC Oulu 3-4 HJK

Inter Turku’s win over KuPS in the previous day’s top-of-the-table encounter opened the door for HJK to claim second place on goal difference. HJK capitalised on the opportunity to record their second consecutive victory, although they had to withstand a spirited late comeback from AC Oulu, who have now suffered four defeats in their last five Championship Group matches.

HJK appeared to be firmly in control at half-time. Leonel Montano set up Mads Borchers to open the scoring in the 20th minute, before Borchers turned provider shortly before the interval, assisting Liam Moller to double the visitors’ advantage.

AC Oulu responded early in the second half through Camilo Triana, but HJK quickly restored their two-goal cushion. Montano and Borchers combined once again, with the latter completing his brace to put the visitors in a commanding position with just over a quarter of the match remaining.

However, HJK’s comfortable lead disappeared in a dramatic seven-minute spell. Rasmus Karjalainen first assisted Roope Riski to reduce the deficit before setting up Mikko Pitkanen, who equalised in the 84th minute.

The late comeback threatened to deny HJK a crucial victory, setting the stage for a tense finish to an entertaining seven-goal contest.

HJK refused to let the opportunity slip away, restoring their lead just two minutes later. Santeri Haarala saw his effort saved, but the rebound fell perfectly for Joona Veteli, who fired into the net to secure a dramatic late winner for the Helsinki side.

The victory extended HJK’s unbeaten run to six matches. Meanwhile, AC Oulu failed to build on their previous win over KuPS and slipped to sixth place in the standings.

VPS 1-0 Gnistan

Despite AC Oulu’s defeat, their hopes of securing a European place remain alive. VPS’s victory over Gnistan leaves Oulu just five points away from the European qualification positions, while only three points separate VPS and Gnistan.

The decisive goal arrived during the final 10 minutes of the first half. Casper Holmelund delivered an excellent cross from the left, which Xavier Odhiambo headed home with a superb finish to score his second goal for the club.

The victory allowed the Vaasa-based side to end a three-match losing streak. Gnistan, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat in nine matches, leaving them 10 points behind the league leaders.