Pukki sparks HJK to first Liigacup win of 2026 in dominant display against Inter Turku
HJK Helsinki finally got their 2026 season up and running on Friday morning, securing a vital 3–1 victory over FC Inter Turku at the Veritas Stadion. After stumbling to defeats in their opening two Liigacup fixtures against IFK Mariehamn and FC Lahti, the reigning champions bounced back with a dominant performance led by veteran striker Teemu Pukki.
Match recap
Pressure was mounting on HJK entering Matchday 3, but they responded with their most fluid attacking performance of the winter. The breakthrough came in the 26th minute when midfielder Liam Möller opened the scoring, calming the visitors’ nerves after a shaky start to the tournament.
The lead was doubled shortly after halftime. In the 50th minute, HJK was awarded a penalty, and Teemu Pukki stepped up to convert clinically, registering his first competitive goal of the 2026 campaign. Just seven minutes later, Jeptha Clinton added a third to put the game beyond reach. Ilari Kangasniemi pulled one back for Inter Turku in the 62nd minute, but HJK managed the remainder of the match comfortably to secure their first three points of Group A.
Pukki’s performance
After being held scoreless in the loss to FC Lahti last week, Teemu Pukki was the catalyst for HJK’s turnaround on Friday.
- Getting off the mark: Pukki’s penalty in the 50th minute was a moment of relief and quality, serving as his first goal of the new year.
- The “hockey assist”: While he didn’t score the third goal, his run dragged two defenders out of position, opening the lane for the pass that set up Clinton’s strike.
- Veteran leadership: In a match where HJK desperately needed a result to stay alive in the group stage, Pukki’s composure—particularly from the penalty spot—settled a team that had looked anxious in previous weeks.
Stats (via Fotmob)
- Minutes played: 59′
- Goals: 1 (Penalty)
- Shots (on target): 2 (1)
- Match result: HJK 3–1 Inter Turku
Up next
With their first win on the board, HJK will look to build momentum when they host IF Gnistan in their next group stage fixture on Saturday, Feb. 7. Meanwhile, FC Inter Turku will need to regroup as the group table tightens.
