Football | HJK gets huge relief, gap to the top narrows

Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi (HJK) achieved a vital away win on Sunday, defeating AC Oulu 1-0. This victory propelled the Helsinki-based club to third place in the league table, significantly closing the distance to the top two teams, KuPS and Inter, who both drew their respective matches.

The sole goal of the game came just before halftime. HJK's Senegalese reinforcement, Mouhamed Gueye, proved sharpest on a corner kick delivered by Santeri Haarala, directing the ball into the net. The first half was otherwise sparse in clear scoring opportunities, with Teemu Pukki's shot narrowly missing the Oulu goal being the most notable chance prior to Gueye's strike.

Despite the tight scoreline, the second half offered few additional scoring chances for either side. A notable incident occurred about fifteen minutes before the end of the match when a scuffle broke out between players. Oulu's goalkeeper, Miguel Santos, pushed HJK's Kaius Simojoen to the ground, but the referee issued only a warning. As Oulu pressed for an equalizer in the final minutes, HJK managed to hold onto their lead and secure the crucial three points.

This win is particularly significant for HJK's prospects of securing a spot in the upper playoff series. The victory extended their lead over seventh-placed Lahti to five points, with only three rounds remaining in the regular season. HJK will next face Motherwell in a Europa Conference League away match on Thursday, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Helsinki. Their next Veikkausliiga fixture is at home against Jaro on Sunday.