HJK Helsinki and AC Oulu trade blows in six-goal Veikkausliiga classic

HJK Helsinki and AC Oulu produced a thrilling 3-3 draw in the Finnish Veikkausliiga on Sunday night, with a stoppage-time equaliser denying the hosts a comeback victory in one of the most entertaining matches of the late season. Oulu raced into a two-goal lead, HJK fought back to go ahead, and Aleksi Ranta completed his brace in the 90+3rd minute to rescue a point for the visitors.

The result is a significant one at both ends of the table. HJK missed the chance to close the gap on the teams above them, while AC Oulu showed once again that they can compete with the league's strongest sides.

Match at a glance

• Competition: Finnish Veikkausliiga
• Result: HJK Helsinki 3-3 AC Oulu
• Date: Sunday, 8 November 2026
• Kick-off: 21:00
• Goals: Ranta 9', Kalliokoski 21'; Mäkinen 38', 76', Valtonen 54'; Ranta 90+3'

Match overview

AC Oulu stunned the home crowd with a fast start. In the 9th minute, Aleksi Ranta latched onto a through ball and finished calmly past the HJK goalkeeper. Twelve minutes later, Joonas Kalliokoski doubled the lead with a low strike from the edge of the box after HJK failed to clear a corner properly.

HJK responded with characteristic patience. Roope Mäkinen pulled one back in the 38th minute, turning inside the penalty area and firing into the roof of the net. The equaliser arrived nine minutes after the break when Eetu Valtonen converted a cross from the right. HJK then took the lead in the 76th minute through Mäkinen's second goal, a close-range finish after sustained pressure. Just when it looked like the hosts would hold on, Oulu found a late leveller through Ranta.

Key moments

• 9th minute: Aleksi Ranta gives AC Oulu a shock lead with a composed finish.
• 21st minute: Joonas Kalliokoski makes it 2-0 to Oulu with a low effort from outside the box.
• 38th minute: Roope Mäkinen pulls one back for HJK Helsinki.
• 54th minute: Eetu Valtonen equalises for HJK after a fine team move.
• 76th minute: Mäkinen scores his second to put HJK 3-2 ahead.
• 90+3 minutes: Aleksi Ranta completes his brace and earns AC Oulu a 3-3 draw.

Tactical story

HJK Helsinki controlled possession for long spells, building patiently from the back and using their full-backs to stretch Oulu's defensive block. Their dominance in the second half was reflected in the shot count, but they were repeatedly exposed on the counter-attack. Oulu's willingness to press high in the opening 20 minutes set the tone for a chaotic contest.

AC Oulu defended deep for much of the second half but remained dangerous on the break. Their direct running and intelligent movement from the front two caused problems throughout, and the late equaliser was a reward for their persistence. HJK will be frustrated by their inability to manage the game in the final minutes.

Standout players

Roope Mäkinen was HJK's brightest attacking threat, scoring twice and linking play effectively. Eetu Valtonen also impressed with his energy in midfield and his well-taken equaliser. For Oulu, Aleksi Ranta was the hero with two goals, while Joonas Kalliokoski provided a constant outlet on the counter.

Title-race and table impact

The draw is a blow to HJK Helsinki's hopes of climbing the Veikkausliiga standings, as they drop two valuable home points in the late stages of the season. AC Oulu, by contrast, will view the result as a point gained against one of Finland's biggest clubs, strengthening their position in the battle for a top-six finish.

With the Veikkausliiga table remaining tight, both sides will need to learn from this match quickly. HJK must tighten up defensively when protecting a lead, while Oulu will take confidence from their ability to score late goals in high-pressure situations.