HJK Helsinki and Inter Turku Play Out Thrilling Six-Goal Draw

In a pulsating Veikkausliiga encounter at the Bolt Arena on June 17, 2026, league leaders HJK Helsinki and fourth-placed Inter Turku shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw that had everything — early drama, a stunning comeback, and late heartbreak. The result keeps HJK top of the table but allows their title rivals to close the gap after the capital side squandered a two-goal lead.

Match Overview

HJK started like a team determined to assert their dominance. Inside the first 20 minutes, the hosts raced into a 2-0 lead through quickfire strikes from winger Topi Keskinen and midfielder Lucas Lingman. Keskinen curled a precise shot into the far corner after a clever cutback, while Lingman powered home a header from a corner. The home crowd was electric, expecting a routine victory against a side that had struggled on their travels earlier in the season.

Inter Turku, however, refused to fold. The visitors pulled one back just before half-time when Tim Stavitski latched onto a through ball and slotted calmly past the HJK goalkeeper. The goal gave Inter belief, and after the break they came out with renewed energy.

Second-Half Drama and Tactical Shift

Inter manager Vesa Vasara switched to a more aggressive 4-3-3, pushing full-backs higher and pressing HJK’s backline. The tactic paid off immediately. In the 55th minute, Finnish international Juuso Hämäläinen equalised with a powerful drive from the edge of the box. Just ten minutes later, Inter completed the turnaround when Kalle Salomaa headed in from a free-kick to make it 3-2 to the visitors.

HJK were stunned. Their midfield lost control, and the usually reliable defence looked shaky. But the hosts showed champion mentality. With 15 minutes left, a long ball from deep found substitute Santeri Väänänen, who held off his marker and finished with composure to level the scores at 3-3. Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but stout defending and a couple of good saves ensured the points were shared.

Standout Performers

• Lucas Lingman (HJK) – Scored a goal and dictated play from midfield until Inter’s tactical change overwhelmed him.
• Juuso Hämäläinen (Inter Turku) – His equaliser sparked the comeback and he was a constant threat on the left flank.
• Kalle Salomaa (Inter Turku) – The defender’s header put Inter ahead and showed his set-piece prowess.

Table Impact

The draw extends HJK's unbeaten run to five matches, but they will be frustrated to have let a two-goal lead slip. Inter Turku move to within four points of the top spot, keeping the title race wide open with a third of the season remaining.