HJK beats TPS 1-0 with Haarala's goal

HJK secured a crucial three points at home on Sunday, defeating TPS 1-0 in a Veikkausliiga fixture. The Helsinki-based team dominated the first half, with the decisive goal coming in the 16th minute. Santeri Haarala, who recently returned to Finland from Sweden, netted the goal, marking his second in three Veikkausliiga appearances.

While TPS improved their play in the second half, they were unable to find an equalizer, leaving Helsinki with no points. This victory extends HJK's winning streak to three matches across all competitions, all played at the Töölö Football Stadium.

Currently, HJK sits in fourth place in the Veikkausliiga table. They trail league leaders KuPS by eight points. HJK shares the same number of points as local rivals Gnistan, who also won their Sunday match against FC Inter Turku, 2-1.

In another match played on Sunday, Ilves earned points away in Lahti, defeating FC Lahti 1-0. HJK's next challenge will be an away game in Northern Ireland, where they will face Corelainen in the Europa Conference League qualifiers. HJK holds a commanding 5-0 lead from the first leg of this tie, with the second leg scheduled for Thursday.