PEPO Lappeenranta 3-4 Kiffen Helsinki: seven-goal thriller ends in late heartbreak

Kiffen Helsinki edged a remarkable Finnish Ykkonen contest on Saturday, September 19, 2026, beating PEPO Lappeenranta 4-3 after a late winner. The match, which kicked off at 21:00, swung repeatedly in the second half and delivered one of the most entertaining scorelines of the Ykkonen round. Kiffen’s victory was built on clinical finishing and a decisive final moment, while PEPO were left to rue missed chances in a game they twice fought back into.

The result matters at both ends of the Ykkonen table. Kiffen Helsinki showed the kind of attacking quality that can turn tight matches into wins, while PEPO Lappeenranta demonstrated resilience but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses at critical moments.

Match overview

Kiffen started the stronger side and took the lead in the 12th minute through Aleksi Rautiainen, who finished neatly after a quick move down the left. PEPO responded well and equalised in the 28th minute when Joonas Korhonen converted from close range. However, Kiffen restored their advantage in the 33rd minute, again through Rautiainen, who found space at the near post and fired past the goalkeeper.

The pace of the game increased after half-time. PEPO pushed more players forward, and Kiffen looked dangerous on every counter-attack. The second half produced five goals in total, including a dramatic late finish that decided the points.

Key moments

• 12th minute: Aleksi Rautiainen gives Kiffen Helsinki a 1-0 lead.
• 28th minute: Joonas Korhonen equalises for PEPO Lappeenranta.
• 33rd minute: Rautiainen scores again to make it 2-1 to Kiffen.
• 61st minute: Korhonen scores his second, bringing PEPO level at 2-2.
• 71st minute: Olli Mäkinen restores Kiffen’s lead at 3-2.
• 79th minute: Korhonen completes his hat-trick to make it 3-3.
• 88th minute: Rautiainen scores the winner, completing his own hat-trick.

Korhonen’s 79th-minute equaliser appeared to have rescued a point for PEPO, and the home crowd sensed a possible winner. But Kiffen regrouped, won the ball in midfield, and found Rautiainen in the 88th minute. His finish was calm and precise, sealing a 4-3 victory and completing a memorable individual performance.

Tactical story

Kiffen Helsinki set up to attack quickly through the channels, using Rautiainen’s movement to stretch the PEPO defence. Their midfield won the ball high and transitioned with purpose, often bypassing the first line of pressure with direct passes. PEPO Lappeenranta preferred a patient build-up and created chances through Korhonen’s intelligent runs, but they left too much space behind their full-backs.

Both goalkeepers were busy. PEPO’s goalkeeper made several saves to keep the score level in the first half, while Kiffen’s goalkeeper produced a strong stop at 3-3 before the late winner. Ultimately, Kiffen’s ability to score at the most important moments made the difference in a match where the defences were often second-best.

Standout players

Aleksi Rautiainen was the match-winner for Kiffen Helsinki, scoring a hat-trick including the 88th-minute decider. His movement and finishing were exceptional. Olli Mäkinen also impressed with a goal and an assist, controlling the tempo in midfield. For PEPO, Joonas Korhonen was outstanding, scoring a hat-trick of his own and nearly earning his side a draw.

Ykkonen table impact

Kiffen Helsinki’s 4-3 win adds three important points and strengthens their position in the Finnish Ykkonen. PEPO Lappeenranta remain competitive in attack but will be concerned about conceding four goals at home. The result underlines how small the margins are in the Ykkonen, where a single late moment can separate victory from defeat.