The fans have had to wait a long time – but after 599 days, HIFK has won a series match at home again. This was about more than three points, says Paulus Arajuuri to Ruutu after 2-0 against TPS.
One point in the first three games was not the fresh start that relegated Helsinki IFK had hoped for in the first place.
But at home against TPS it loosened up. The first three-pointer of the season came with the numbers 2-0 against a top-seeded Åbolag – who had a nightmare start to the season.
– This victory was incredibly important for us. We might have deserved to win earlier in the spring, and the pressure grows when the victories are not forthcoming, HIFK captain Paulus Arajuuri admits to Ruutu.
– Today we wanted to play for the fans, they have been waiting for a home win for quite a long time. For the whole club, the team and the supporters this was a big deal, it was about more than three points.
In terms of series play, the home scalp is truly rare for the peers. The last three-pointer in the home city came against AC Oulu on September 11, 2021 – 599 days ago.
Blunt TPS cam zero
Arajuuri was one of today’s match winners. The national team icon responded to a splice on Mosawer Ahadi’s free kick just before the break, and the ball found its way into the opposition goal via a touch on TPS defender Roope Pakkanen’s forehead.
– Of course we have our variants, and there are many good free-kick feet in the team. I could even have scored another goal today, smiles Arajuuri.
TPS pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but without getting really dangerous scoring chances. Instead, the home team countered 2–0 in stoppage time, when Antti Ulmanen freed Sakari Tukiainen.
Thus, IFK now has the same points balance as TPS, four points. Åbolaget has only managed to defeat JäPS in their opening four matches.
Division 1
HIFK–TPS 2–0 (1–0)
45+1′ Paulus Arajuuri 1–0
90+4′ Sakari Tukiainen 2–0
