Thrilling Comeback: SJK Stuns Ilves with Late Victory

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.