In a Veikkausliiga Championship Round clash packed with suspense and late drama, Gnistan triumphed 3-2 over HJK Helsinki at Bolt Arena, dealing a heavy blow to the defending champions’ title ambitions in front of a passionate Helsinki crowd.

First Half: Fireworks and Tactical Chess HJK Helsinki appeared in control early, dispatching their trademark possession game to pin Gnistan back. The reward arrived quickly: in the 9th minute, Lucas Lingman lashed home the opener, putting HJK in command and sending the home supporters into a frenzy. But as momentum threatened to swing entirely in HJK's favor, Gnistan found their footing. At 27 minutes, Daniel Hafstad leveled the score, finishing smartly after a spell of persistent pressure—his eighth league goal of the campaign, underlining his status as one of Gnistan’s most influential assets.

Just before the break, HJK reclaimed the lead in vintage fashion. Teemu Pukki, fed by a precise assist from Jani Hostikka, rifled HJK’s second into the top corner in the 42nd minute, showcasing the kind of ruthless finishing that made him a national legend.

Second Half: Eremenko's Masterclass, Late Drama Gnistan refused to wilt, pushing HJK onto the back foot following halftime. Their breakthrough came in the 55th minute as Roman Eremenko converted from close range after an incisive delivery by Oliver Pettersson, pulling the visitors even and setting up a fiery final half-hour.

As the contest wore on, substitutions and yellow cards reflected the rising tension: HJK brought on Bojan Michel at the interval, while the combative Hafstad and Gnanou picked up bookings for Gnistan as they fought to keep the hosts at bay.

When the clock ticked past ninety, with the match seemingly headed for a draw, Timo Väyrynen etched his name into Gnistan history. Deep into stoppage time (90+4), Väyrynen pounced in the box to score the match-winner—the stadium stunned, and Gnistan’s bench erupted in celebration. Väyrynen’s booking following the decisive goal was a small price for a moment that could define their campaign.

Key Match Events:

• Goals: Lingman (9’), Hafstad (27’), Pukki (42’), Eremenko (55’), Väyrynen (90+4’)
• Assists: Hostikka (HJK), Pettersson (Gnistan)
• Bookings: Gnanou (32’), Hafstad (47’), Väyrynen (90+4’)
• Substitutions: Michel (46’, HJK), Kallinen (66’, HJK), Hafstad (67’, Gnistan), Heiskanen (76’, Gnistan), Hostikka (76’, HJK), Lingman (76’, HJK), Olufunwa (83’, Gnistan), Lyons-Foster (85’, HJK)

Broader Implications: The result propels Gnistan closer to the summit in the Championship Round, shaking up the title race as HJK suffer a rare home defeat. For HJK, questions linger about defensive concentration in critical moments, while Gnistan’s resilience and attacking verve mark them as genuine contenders.

This unforgettable match may well prove a turning point in Finland’s Veikkausliiga season, ensuring the road to the championship remains wide open.