The UEFA Champions League match between HJK Helsinki and Larne will take place at Bolt Arena on Wednesday at 9:30 pm IST.
This week marks the beginning of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round, and HJK Helsinki is eager to start strong as they host Larne at Bolt Arena on Wednesday. HJK Helsinki aims to qualify for the main tournament for the first time since the 1998/99 season. On the other hand, Larne is making their debut appearance in the qualifiers and hopes to secure their first-ever Champions League spot right from the start.
HJK Helsinki, the three-time defending champions of Veikkausliiga, face a tougher challenge this season as they currently sit in third place with 28 points after 16 matches. They suffered a 1-0 defeat to FC Lahti in their last league match, extending their winless streak to three games. Despite this, their home record at Bolt Arena remains strong, with five wins, two draws, and one loss in eight matches. In the UEFA Europa League last season, they struggled, earning only one point and finishing bottom of their group. However, they have a favorable draw in the Champions League qualifiers and hope to secure a solid lead against Larne in the first leg.
In 2017, Larne found themselves struggling in the lower divisions, facing financial issues and playing in front of a mere 50 supporters at Inver Park. However, club owner Kenny Bruce expressed his ambitious goal of hearing the Champions League music at their ground. Last season, Larne made history by winning the NIFL Premiership for the first time in their 134-year history, finishing six points ahead of Linfield. They recorded an impressive 83 points in 38 league matches, significantly improving from their fifth-place finish the previous season. Larne also boasted the best away record, earning 42 points out of a possible 60, with 13 wins, three draws, and four losses in 20 away matches. Their success was built upon a solid defense, conceding the league’s lowest tally of just 22 goals. It wouldn’t be surprising if they adopt a defensive approach in this match.
HJK Helsinki probable starting lineup: Ost, Tenho, Peltola, Raitala, Soiri, Tanaka, Lingman, Keskinen, Hostikka, Radulovic, Riski
Larne probable starting lineup: Ferguson, Want, Cosgrove, Bolger, Glynn, Gordon, Millar, O’Neill, Kelly, Ryan, Westendorf
HJK Helsinki
| Opponents | Score |
| Lahti | 0-1 (L) |
| Honka | 1-1 (D) |
| Haka | 1-1 (D) |
| KTP | 1-0 (W) |
| Lahti | 2-1 (W) |
Larne
| Opponents | Score |
| Ballyclare | 4-0 (W) |
| Crusaders | 0-2 (L) |
| Bangor FC | 6-0 (W) |
| Haverfordwest | 2-0 (W) |
| H&W Welders | 8-0 (W) |
The upcoming encounter between these two teams will be their first match ever.
The UEFA Champions League match between HJK Helsinki and Larne will take place at Bolt Arena on Wednesday at 9:30 pm IST.
| HJK Helsinki vs Larne | Key Details |
| Date | July 12 (Finland) |
| Venue | Bolt Arena |
| Kickoff time in Finland | 7:00 pm (Wednesday) |
| Kickoff time in Ireland | 5:00 pm (Wednesday) |
| Kickoff time in India | 9:30 pm (Wednesday) |
Football fans internationally can watch the match via HJK TV.
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