Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
OmaSp Stadion , Seinajoki
Murilo 89'
T. Miettunen 85'
M. Arsalo 53'
Full time

Thrilling Comeback: SJK Stuns Ilves with Late Victory

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In an electrifying match at the OmaSp Stadion, SJK managed a stunning comeback victory over table-toppers Ilves, securing a decisive 2-1 win in the Veikkausliiga Championship Round. The match, played on Saturday, October 4, 2025, saw both teams display relentless determination, but it was SJK's late surge that stole the show.

Seinäjoki's home side, coached by Stevie Grieve, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, while Ilves, under Joonas Rantanen, adopted a 4-3-3 setup. The game was marked by tense moments, with both teams creating scoring opportunities, but it was Ilves who broke the deadlock. In the 85th minute, Tatu Miettunen scored for Ilves, assisted by Maksim Stjopin, leaving SJK with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

However, SJK's resilience and tactical adjustments paid off in the final minutes. In the 89th minute, Murilo found the back of the net, assisted by O. Tessilimi, completing an astonishing turnaround for the home team. The goal sent the crowd into raptures and cemented SJK's position as a force to be reckoned with in the championship round.

Markus Arsalo from SJK received a yellow card in the 53rd minute, highlighting the intensity of the encounter. The match saw several substitutions, with Ayo Obileye and Kasper Paananen exiting for SJK, while Roope Riski and Jardell Kanga made way for Ilves.

This victory not only boosts SJK's morale but also tightens the race at the top of the Veikkausliiga table. Ilves, despite their first-place standing, will need to regroup and focus on maintaining their lead in the face of such spirited competition.

In conclusion, SJK's dramatic win over Ilves is a testament to their team spirit and tactical prowess, setting the stage for an exciting finish to the Veikkausliiga Championship Round.

Team Lineups

Ilves
4-3-3
COACH
Joonas Rantanen
12
Faris Krkalić
3
Matias Rale
5
Sauli Väisänen
16
Tatu Miettunen
22
Aapo Mäenpää
8
Maksim Stjopin
7
Joona Veteli
14
Anton Popovitch
19
Oiva Jukkola
10
Roope Riski
30
Jardell Kanga
SJK
3-4-2-1
COACH
Stevie Grieve
1
Roope Paunio
5
Oskari Väistö
4
Kelvin Pires
67
Ayo Obileye
3
Babacar Fati
18
Markus Arsalo
23
Armaan Wilson
6
Salim Giabo Yussif
19
Elias Mastokangas
10
Kasper Paananen
9
Jeremiah Streng

Ilves Substitutes

9 Teemu Hytönen
F
13 Kalle Wallius
M
17 Marius Söderbäck
M
18 Vincent Ulundu
M
23 André Raymond
D
27 Adeleke Akinola Akinyemi
F
28 Jesse Kilo
M
32 Johannes Viitala
G
66 Vasilije Bakić
D

SJK Substitutes

7 Rasmus Karjalainen
M
8 Valentín Gasc
M
11 Lauri Laine
M
14 Kevin Appiah Nyarko
F
17 Olatoundji Tessilimi
F
22 Murilo
M
33 Aniis Machaal
M
70 Alenis Vargas
F
80 Hemmo Riihimäki
G