Match Report: Suomen Cup – HJK Helsinki 2-1 Ilves Tampere

HJK Edge Past Ilves to Advance in Finnish Cup

HJK Helsinki kept their Suomen Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ilves Tampere on Thursday night at the Bolt Arena. The hosts overturned a first-half deficit to book their place in the next round, continuing their strong domestic form.

Match Overview

In a cup tie that lived up to its billing, Ilves took an early lead and looked dangerous on the counter. However, HJK’s quality and depth eventually told, as they scored twice in the second half to turn the game around. The win keeps the reigning Veikkausliiga champions on track for another domestic double.

Key Moments

Ilves stunned the home crowd in the 12th minute when a long ball over the top caught out the HJK defense, allowing the Ilves striker to slot home from close range. HJK responded with sustained pressure but found the Ilves goalkeeper in inspired form until the 58th minute. A corner kick was only half-cleared, and a powerful volley from the edge of the box leveled the score. The winning goal arrived in the 73rd minute: a flowing move down the left wing ended with a low cross turned in by the HJK forward at the near post.

Tactical Story

HJK coach opted for a 4-3-3 formation, pushing full-backs high to overload Ilves’ defensive lines. Ilves sat deeper and tried to break quickly, but as the game wore on, HJK’s midfield control became decisive. The introduction of a creative midfielder in the second half shifted the momentum irreversibly in the home side’s favor.

Standout Players

HJK’s match-winner was the obvious star, showing sharp movement and finishing. The HJK left-back also impressed, providing the assist for the winner and constantly overlapping. For Ilves, their goalkeeper made several excellent saves but could not prevent the defeat, while their goal scorer remains a threat for future rounds.

Season Impact

HJK advance to the next stage of the Suomen Cup, strengthening their bid for silverware. The result also extends their unbeaten run in all competitions to seven matches. Ilves will be disappointed but can take heart from a competitive performance against the league’s benchmark side.