By the time the final whistle echoed at Project Liv Arena TN on Friday, the stands were buzzing with disbelief and elation. FF Jaro, trailing until the closing stages, snatched a 2-1 victory over Haka in Veikkausliiga's Relegation Round, rewriting the relegation narrative and igniting hopes for survival.

Haka entered the fixture determined, carving out the game's opening goal in the 67th minute. James Akintunde finished a sharp move, turning in Eetu Mommo's clever assist to break the deadlock and put the visitors ahead, their attacking intent finally rewarded after a tense first hour. Jaro looked rattled, having picked up a yellow card just before halftime when J. Myrevik was booked in the 37th minute for a heavy challenge amid mounting pressure. Haka, meanwhile, handed a booking to S. Lindholm in the 72nd as the match grew increasingly physical.

Managerial decisions shaped the contest's tempo, with Haka introducing N. Friberg at the 39th minute to stabilize their backline and Jaro making a bold double substitution at the 61st, bringing on A. Vidjeskog and F. Valencic to chase the game. Late tactical shifts saw fresh legs for both sides as Jaro and Haka made a flurry of changes in the 74th and 84th minutes, setting the stage for a frenetic finish.

With time slipping away and Haka inching towards victory, Rudi Vikstrom delivered for Jaro in the 87th minute, slotting home a vital equalizer off a pinpoint pass from K. Cissoko. The crowd erupted, sensing momentum had shifted. Jaro seized the initiative, battering Haka’s defense with relentless pressure as stoppage time stretched on.

Then, in the dying embers of the match—the 97th minute of added time—A. Bjorkskog emerged as the hero. Latching onto a deflected ball in the box, he fired past the stranded goalkeeper, sending Jaro supporters into raptures and sealing an astonishing comeback. Haka were left to rue wasted chances and defensive lapses as their relegation fears deepened.

The result reverberates beyond the immediate drama: FF Jaro climb to third in the Relegation Group standings, gaining crucial ground in the fight to retain Veikkausliiga status, while Haka remain mired near the bottom, confronting a perilous end to their campaign.

For Jaro, this is more than three points—it is a statement of intent. For Haka, reflection and resolve will be their only solace amid the mounting pressure at the foot of the table.