HJK came from a two-goal deficit to a 2–1 victory over SJK and improved their position in the top battle of the Veikkausliiga.
After a weak start and wild phases, HJK came from a loss to a 2–1 victory over Veikkausliiga league leader SJK and narrowed the league lead of the Northmen to one point.
Now SJK has 35 points, HJK 34, KuPS 32 and AC Oulu 30. HJK has played one match more than the other top four.
The reigning Finnish champion HJK has now played its new coach Toni Korkeakunnsen under four matches, of which it has won three. Also in the Champions League against Larne, it won the next place, even though it did not win that away game.
HJK’s match at Seinäjoki started off difficult, as they had to change their goalkeeper in the 13th minute of the game, when the club’s goal kicker Dejan Iliev injured his elbow after reaching for the ball during a corner kick.
An 18-year-old was replaced Alex Ramula, who was able to make his debut in the club’s representative team and in the Veikkausliiga in a tough position. About HJK’s washrooms as well Jesse Öst was on the sidelines.
The first half was completely controlled by SJK. The home team had 72% possession of the ball and 8-0 scoring attempts.
SJK’s pressure paid off in extra time, when Jake Dunwoody scored the opening goal Murilo of concentration. SJK went into the break with a 1–0 lead.
A completely different HJK
In the second half, a completely different HJK entered the field. Korkeakunnas threw on the field Perparim Hetemaj’na new acquisition Filip Rogic and Anthony Olusanya.
The team equalized from their first goal in the 55th minute, when Veikkausliiga’s leading goal exchange Bojan Radulovic finished into an empty net Topi Keskinen serving. Radulovic now has 11 hits.
Five minutes later, HJK struck again. Radulovic played on the wing For Jukka Raitalawho sent a low cross in front of the goal from where Olusanya flashed the ball into the goal.
Hetemaj received a straight red in the 76th minute when he tackled Valentin Roman Gascin with. The Argentinian received a yellow for the trouble. SJK unleashed attacks on the undermanned HJK’s goal, but the Helsinki team held on until the end and grabbed the important three points.
From bench to hero
Ramula, who got on the field in a tough spot, said that he was excited by the surprising situation.
– In the first half, I wasn’t at my best, but as the game continued, I realized that I can handle this job. Confidence increased and it was incredibly cool to play.
Ramula said that during the break, HJK changed their tactics and started playing. Head coach Korkeakunnas created a belief that the team can win the match.
– The gang responded well to that, we played really well in the second half.
After the game, Ramula got to shout at the HJK supporters who had traveled to Seinäjoki in large numbers with a megaphone.
– A unique experience. I will always remember this, Ramula analyzed his debut.
On Sunday, the other top teams will be on fire when the matches Haka–Lahti, FC Honka–AC Oulu, KuPS–KTP and IFK Mariehamn–Inter will be played in the Veikkausliiga.
Series table from this link.
Velja Engström interviewed Ramula.
Edited story at 20:22: Added Ramula’s comments.