Veikkausliiga Recap: Ilves and SJK Maintain Pressure on Leaders as Oulu Snag Last-Minute Victory

The top five teams in Finland’s Veikkausliiga are tightly bunched, with only three points dividing them as we reach the halfway mark of the regular season. Ilves and SJK have surged to third and fourth place, applying further pressure on league leaders Inter Turku and defending champions KuPS. In a late-night match, AC Oulu secured their second victory of the season with a win over VPS.

Following a draw for Inter Turku against Gnistan on Friday, Ilves seized the opportunity to inch closer to the leaders. They knew that a victory against Haka would bring them within just one point.

Ilves got off to a strong start with Roope Riski converting a penalty to put them in front. The situation worsened for Haka when Nicolas Gianini Dantas received a second yellow card, leaving the hosts with just ten players just before halftime.

Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Ilves increased their lead early in the second half with a goal from Maksim Stjopin. An own goal by Niklas Friberg and another from Teemu Hytonen in added time capped off a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

SJK’s recent form has turned around dramatically, as they recorded their third consecutive win by overwhelming Mariehamn 4-1, climbing to fourth place with 24 points, just two behind Inter and KuPS.

The home team started explosively, scoring three goals within the first 18 minutes courtesy of Jeremiah Streng, Kasper Paananen, and a mishap from Michael Fonsell.

Shortly after the hour mark, Elias Mastokangas notched a fourth for SJK, although Korede Adedoyin netted a late consolation for Mariehamn, who remain in eighth position.

Meanwhile, AC Oulu, buoyed by a midweek Suomen Cup win over SJK, made it two victories in a row across all competitions with a 2-1 triumph over VPS in a match that kicked off at 23:00 local time.

The late start appeared to favour VPS, who took the lead with a penalty from Nicolas Fleuriau. However, Oulu equalised before half-time thanks to a goal from Justin Rennicks.

Rennicks was clearly in the mood for goal-scoring, as he netted the winner shortly after the hour mark, completing a brace over the weekend!

Despite the win, Oulu remains at the bottom of the table, as KTP triumphed over Jaro with a 3-2 scoreline.

KTP’s Assan Seck scored two vital goals, with Petteri Forsell equalising from the penalty spot after Kerfala Cissoko had initially put Jaro ahead.

Michael Ogungbaro pulled back a goal late in the game for the visitors, but it ultimately proved too little, too late.