Käpylän Pallo won a five-goal thriller in the Finnish Ykkosliiga on 26 September 2026, defeating FC Haka 3-2 in a match packed with momentum swings, defensive errors and no shortage of quality in the final third. The Helsinki club's attacking play proved just enough to see off one of the division's most historically significant names.

Match overview

FC Haka travelled with the reputation of a club with a proud top-flight tradition, and they showed their quality in spells, moving the ball quickly and creating several clear openings. But Käpylän Pallo were the sharper team in the decisive moments and consistently found a way to restore their advantage whenever the visitors threatened to take control.

With five goals shared between the sides, the contest was never comfortable for either coach. The result gives KäPa a valuable three points in their campaign and hands Haka another frustrating chapter in a season of inconsistent results away from home.

Key moments

• 9' – KäPa strike first: A high press forced a turnover inside the box, and the loose ball was swept home for an early lead.
• 27' – Haka equalise: A well-timed run in behind was picked out perfectly, and the finish was calm and precise.
• 44' – KäPa lead again: A short corner routine caught Haka's defence flat-footed, with a header nodded in from close range.
• 61' – Haka level a second time: A powerful long-range strike took a slight deflection on its way past the goalkeeper.
• 79' – The winner: A driving run from midfield ended with a low finish into the far corner, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Tactical story

The match was a fascinating contrast in approaches. Käpylän Pallo pressed aggressively and looked to win the ball in high areas, converting turnovers into shots quickly. Their willingness to commit bodies forward gave them a numerical edge in transition and was responsible for at least two of their goals.

FC Haka preferred patient possession and looked dangerous whenever they managed to isolate their wide players against a single defender. Their problem was defensive concentration: both of KäPa's first two goals came from situations that should have been routine to deal with, and the winner came from an unchallenged run through the middle.

Standout performers

KäPa's attacking midfielder was the game's outstanding player, setting up chances and scoring the decisive goal. Their pressing forward also deserves praise for the relentless work that created the opening goal. Haka's best performers were their left winger, who caused problems all evening, and the striker whose movement earned the equaliser.

What it means for the Ykkosliiga season

Victory in a fixture like this can shift the mood of an entire season. The three points lift Käpylän Pallo's Ykkosliiga position and underline their ability to compete against established, well-supported clubs. For FC Haka, whose history includes domestic titles and European nights, the focus must now shift to tightening a defence that has conceded too often in tight games.

Both sides will take lessons from a match that showcased the attacking quality — and the occasional frailty — that makes the Finnish second tier such an entertaining competition.