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Motherwell produced one of their finest-ever performances on the European stage, dismantling HJK Helsinki 2-0 to progress to the playoff of the UEFA Conference League. 

A stunning Ibrahim Said double sent 8,100 Motherwell fans home in jubilation.

The Steelmen were forced into more changes to the starting 11 following Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Falkirk. Tom Sparrow missed out on the action having come off during the second-half, and was replaced by Johnny Koutroumbis, who was making his first competitive start of the season following a hand injury.

Jake Girdwood-Reich was back in defence, replacing Jamie Knight-Lebel, with Alex Lowry also restored to the 11 in place of Mikey Booth. Regan Charles-Cook was the final alteration, as he started in place of Willy Vogt, making it four changes in total.

There were over 8000 Motherwell fans packed into Fir Park as the Steelmen looked to progress to the playoff round of the UEFA Conference League for the first time. Both sides knew Freiburg were the opponents in the next round, as HJK Helsinki got the game going with under 40 Finns making the journey from Helsinki.

The atmosphere was electric, and Motherwell were applying their possession-based approach, which penned HJK into their own half. The first half-chance came after ten minutes when Lukas Fadinger clipped a ball into the back-post area where Girdwood-Reich was lurking; the defender managed to get his head onto the ball but could only find the side netting.

Fir Park was encouraged, and seven minutes later, Longelo also found the side netting after Maswanhise crossed to the opposite side and the full-back volleyed towards goal. Under 60 seconds later, Maswanhise himself got in behind the HJK backline and tried to beat the on-rushing keeper, but Markovic was equal to the effort.

The chances just kept on coming for the Steelmen, but the breakthrough didn’t. Said tried to catch the keeper napping and struck over the bar from 25 yards before Maswanhise forced the keeper into a smart save after cutting inside from the left wing.

Pressure was mounting on HJK, who looked like they needed the half-time break. Longelo showed his pace and skill to beat the defender and fizzed a cross towards Charles-Cook, but he couldn’t wrap his foot fully around the ball, and the ball went blazing over the bar. Longelo continued to cause problems and went through one on one with Markovic from a tight angle, with the keeper making a smart save with his feet to prevent the opener.

At half-time, the Motherwell players were cheered off the pitch after a dazzling first-half display, and that level of energy carried into the second-half, when after 60 seconds, they got their reward.

It took some individual magic, but Said was able to pick up the ball on the left-wing, before coming inside. He evaded the tackles from defenders before stabbing the ball into the far corner to break the deadlock.

That goal didn’t stop the MFC train, as they pressed on to extend their lead. Maswanhise showed some incredible pace and skill to skip away from two tackles; he tried to set himself for a shot at goal, but the effort was never troubling the keeper.

And bang on the hour mark, the Steelmen did double their lead. Said, once again, was presented with the ball and space in front of him, which he stepped into. Driving forward, he showed a quick turn of pace before toe-poking the ball past the keeper to make it 2-0.

Motherwell were firmly in control, but HJK didn’t give up the fight. Alfie Cicale looked bright on the wing and curled a cross into the penalty box; Alex Paulsen had to be alert to push the ball away from danger.

Johansson’s side responded by going up the other end and creating another opportunity. Longelo, once again posing a key threat, came inside this time, going past multiple defenders, but on his weaker foot, he couldn’t keep his strike on target. Substitute Olly Whyte slotted into the heart of the team with ease and showed strength before sending a ball in-behind to Maswanhise, who reached the byline and sent a cross across the face of goal, but the sliding Willy Vogt and Said couldn’t reach the cross.

Fir Park got louder and louder as the game neared its conclusion, and when the final whistle blew, 8,150 Motherwell fans screamed in delight as a trip to Germany to take on Europa League finalists Freiburg was confirmed.

Motherwell Team: Paulsen, Koutroumbis, Girdwood-Reich, Moormann, Longelo, Priestman, Fadinger, Lowry, Maswanhise, Charles-Cook, Said. 

Motherwell Subs: Connelly, McConnell, Ross, Knight-Lebel, Wilson, McAllister, Hunter, Whyte, Booth, Vogt, Weir.

The Steelmen progress to the Conference League Play-Off round with a memorable 2-0 win over HJK Helsinki.

A full guide ahead of our second leg UEFA Conference League tie against HJK Helsinki.

Kick off is 7:30pm at Fir Park.

How to Follow the Game

You can buy tickets by CLICKING HERE.

The Tommy McLean Stand is now available to home supporters.

Watch Live

The match will be streamed live on SolidSport.

You can buy your matchday pass by CLICKING HERE.

Food & Drink

Mrs Baillie’s Fanzone is open. Home and away fans can attend from 5pm. So Sally Tribute band will return to on Thursday from 5.30pm.

The Cooper Bar will be open from 5pm for home and away fans. It will also be open for one hour post-match for those looking to avoid the traffic. Food and drink will be available.

All kiosks will be open in the home stands. Card and cash are accepted.

Travel

We encourage supporters to arrive earlier than usual with a large home support expected.

Airbles Road is now open.

There are temporary traffic lights on Leven Street/Catherine Street. Please plan your journey accordingly.

Weather Forecast

Thursday is going to be a mostly dry day with a clear evening. Temperatures are expected to be above 20 degrees at kick off with a high humidity percentage.

Other Information

For supporters seated in the Tommy McLean Stand, enter turnstiles S5 and S6 and follow steward directions. Kiosks and toilets will be open.

There is a tifo prepared by our supporters for the players coming out the tunnel.

We want to remind all supporters that unacceptable conduct will not be tolerated. We ask all supporters to enjoy the match responsibly.

In UEFA matches, UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body can issue and distribute a range of punishments against the football club, including fines, partial stadium bans, away ticket bans, etc.

The use of pyrotechnics, pitch incursions, throwing objects, use of laser pointers and any discriminatory behaviour can result in any individual receiving a club ban, football banning order as well as harsher punishments. We encourage all supporters to get behind the team on what is a huge European night for the football club in a safe and responsible manner.

Martin Moormann explains his relationship with Lukas Fadinger, and how he has settled into Scottish Football.

The Austrian tells us how the squad are only focused on tomorrow night, and are not looking ahead to any potential ties with anyone.

Alfred Johansson describes the type of player new signing Joe Hodge is, and what he will bring to the squad. The Motherwell manager also provides a squad update. 

Johansson is relishing the opportunity to experience another European night at Fir Park, as the team look ahead to a huge night in ML1.

Joe Hodge has joined the club for an undisclosed fee from Portuguese side FC Tondela on a two-year deal, with the club holding the option of a further year.

Hodge becomes our eighth summer signing, subject to international clearance.

“Joe is an excellent footballer who fits the profile for the type of midfielder we want in our squad,” manager Alfred Johansson said.

“He has played in the Premier League against some of the best players in the world and has gained experience in English and Portuguese football. At 23, he has achieved a lot, but there is more to come from this young man.

“Joe is dedicated and driven. Our conversations have been hugely encouraging, and I have enjoyed getting to know him. We feel we play a brand of football that will allow Joe to flourish and develop further. He made it very clear that he wanted to play for Motherwell from the very start of this process, so I’m pleased we’re at this stage.

“Our summer signings have already made a huge impact this season, and I fully expect Joe to settle in quickly and hit the ground running.”

Mancunian-born Hodge moved from Manchester City to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2021. His breakthrough season came in the 2022/23 campaign. Hodge was a star in the Wolves youth sides and made his debut for the first team in October 2022 at Stamford Bridge in a 3-0 defeat.

That was one of the three appearances of the bench before Hodge was given his first start in the EFL Cup against Leeds United. Julen Lopetegui opted to increase his minutes by giving him his first Premier League start against Everton later that year, with Hodge also starting at Anfield in the FA Cup.

In total, he made 13 appearances for Wolves before joining QPR on loan for the 2023/24 season. Missing a large chunk of the season, he made 10 appearances during the campaign and went out on loan the following season to Huddersfield Town. Making 27 appearances in League One, he moved to Portuguese Liga side FC Tondela last summer, signing a four-year contract.

The midfielder made 27 appearances across his sole season in Portugal and made his international debut for Ireland in June against Canada.

“I’ve been so keen to get this done,” Joe Hodge added.

“Having watched Motherwell games last season and the games this season, I’ve been itching to get involved. There are a lot of new faces this season, but the cohesion amongst the players is clear with the great results so far this season.

“As a footballer, you want to play in football teams that you feel are best suited to your qualities, and I feel this group of coaches and players are a perfect match for me. There are lots of games coming up, so I’m looking forward to what comes next.”

Motherwell take on HJK Helsinki in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League third qualifying round tie on Thursday 13 August at Fir Park. 

Kick off is 7:30pm

How to Follow the Game

You can buy tickets by CLICKING HERE.

Tickets are quickly running out in the John Hunter, Davie Cooper and Phil O’Donnell Stands. We advise to buy your ticket now to ensure your seat is sorted for Thursday night.

FOR NON-SEASON TICKET HOLDERS

The match will be streamed live on SolidSport. You can buy your matchday pass by CLICKING HERE.

Food & Drink

Mrs Baillie’s Fanzone is open. Home and away fans can attend from 5pm. So Sally Tribute band will return to on Thursday from 5.30pm.

The Cooper Bar will be open from 5pm for home and away fans. It will also be open for one hour post-match for those looking to avoid the traffic. Food and drink will be available.

All kiosks will be open in the home stands. Card and cash are accepted.

What else is happening?

We encourage supporters to arrive earlier than usual with a large home support expected.

Weather Forecast

Thursday is going to be a mostly dry day with a clear evening. Temperatures are expected to be above 20 degrees at kick off with a high humidity percentage.

Motherwell’s Fortunes

The 90 minutes last week ended in what most would conclude is the fairest way possible, a draw. With Hearts losing two of their two away matches in Europe, Hibernian losing 2-0 in Kosovo last month and Rangers losing 2-1 to Jagiellonia Białystok, a draw on the road in Europe is not something to be sniffed at.

HJK are not a side that lose often in Europe, so coming away with a draw is something to be applauded. The first 45 minutes in Helsinki saw very little action for the HJK keeper, with Alex Paulsen the busier of the two shot-stoppers. But a stern half-time team talk from Alfred Johansson fired his players up for the second period, as they took control of affairs.

Maybe showing a little too much respect in the first half? One thing is for certain: the Steelmen had the hosts up against the ropes for the first 25 minutes of the second half, with Priestman going close, as well as Moormann and Longelo striking the woodwork. The goal was a reward for the endeavour and bravery shown by the Motherwell 11.

The game somewhat swung back into Helsinki’s favour when Fadinger, Charles-Cook, Vogt and Lowry were taken off to manage minutes during the hectic schedule. And when Motherwell were bringing on academy graduates Mikey Booth, Olly Whyte and Luca Ross, all of whom are still in the early stages of their careers, Helsinki brought on former Premier League star Teemu Pukki, who was able to show that extra level of quality to draw his side level.

Barring that one moment, the Motherwell players saw the game out well and can now look forward to the second leg tonight. Boosted by the return of Johnny Koutroumbis, Alfred Johansson’s options are improving.

Opposition Report

The Finnish league is 19 games into its season currently, with just three games left to play. HJK are currently nine points off league leaders KuPS, who are looking likely to win their third consecutive league title.

The league then splits into an upper and lower group. HJK will have 10 matches remaining in the upper group, as the six teams play each other twice.

HJK are still in the hunt for silverware this season. They have advanced to the final of the Finnish Cup, where they’ll take on Inter Turku in September, which would also bring more European football next season.

Joonas Rantanen was appointed manager of HJK at the start of the 2026 season, and although he hasn’t been able to deliver a league title, optimism is high in the Finnish camp as they look towards European and domestic cup success this season.

The Players

Mads Borchers is on loan from German side FC Ingolstadt 04 and has fired home seven goals in the league so far this season. A familiar face to Scottish football fans is former Celtic man Teemu Pukki, who, although 36, is top scorer in all competitions with 11 this season.

The Finnish international is still playing a key role in his second spell at the club after rejoining in 2025.

European Regulars

HJK are no strangers to playing in European competition, having played in European qualifiers or league phase football in the last 17 consecutive seasons.

The Finns qualified for the Conference League group phase in the 2024/25 season. Since 2023, they have lost just one of their 10 home games at the Bolt Arena, which came against Olimpija Ljubljana of Slovenia.

In those 17 consecutive seasons, they have come up against some Scottish opposition. In 2023, they were drawn in the same Conference League group as Aberdeen, with the Dons drawing both matches, home and away. In 2012, they faced Celtic in the second qualifying round of the Champions League, with the Celts winning at home and away.

Motherwell’s focus turned back towards Premiership action on Sunday afternoon, as the players tried to register a win against last season’s ‘bogey side’ Falkirk at Fir Park. 

A hectic and congested fixture schedule wasn’t used as an excuse by Alfred Johansson at full time following the stalemate with Falkirk; instead, the manager sees the afternoon’s performance as one that is a marker for how this group of players are still building up a connection with each other.

Lukas Fadinger is your Lime July Player of the Month for July.

Fadinger hit the ground running for the start of the new season, scoring a stunning goal against HB in the UEFA Conference League. He made it three goals in consecutive matches by also scoring in the second leg against HB from the penalty spot in Torshavn.

Well done, Lukas.

Motherwell’s wait for a win over Falkirk for the first time since 2009 goes on following a 0-0 stalemate at Fir Park on Sunday afternoon.

With a hectic schedule continuing for Alfred Johansson, it was inevitable changes would be made for the match against Falkirk. Both Regan Charles-Cook and Alex Lowry were withdrawn against HJK Helsinki on Thursday night with cramp, and as a result, both were named amongst the substitutes. Ibrahim Said was available and fresh, having not travelled from Finland due to visa issues, and Mikey Booth was handed his first Premiership start.

Jamie Knight-Lebel also started for the first time since joining the club on loan from Bristol City, as Jake Girdwood-Reich dropped to the bench with Johansson opting to rotate in the defensive third.

The Steelmen came into the match seeking revenge on their opponents.  Falkirk were just one of two Premiership sides last season Motherwell failed to register a win against. Four games against Falkirk and just one point gained, the Bairns got the upper hand on three occasions, twice at Fir Park.

Incredibly, Motherwell went 12 games without defeat on home soil last campaign. A 2-1 defeat against Falkirk in October was followed up by a stunning new club-record clean sheet run and an unbeaten run that stretched into April in ML1. Then Falkirk visited for a second time, with Barney Stewart, Calvin Miller and Ben Broggio getting on the scoresheet to sink the Steelmen to a 3-2 defeat on their own patch in April.

With that in the forefront of Johansson’s and the players’ minds, everyone of an MFC persuasion was looking to rectify that missing piece at the first time of asking in the 2026/27 season. It took 11 minutes for the first chance of the afternoon to arrive, and it was Thursday night’s goalscorer Tawanda Maswanhise who had the opportunity. Lukas Fadinger managed to steal possession, and the ball was slid into the forward. Said was overlapping, but Maswanhise had a go from outside the box, but the shot went wide of the Falkirk net.

Just minutes later, Falkirk had their first chance. Ethan Ross cut inside from the left-hand side and went for a strike on his right foot, but Alex Paulsen was behind the effort all the way.

Motherwell then went on to have some longer spells of possession, and Said showed his moment of magic to turn away from a marker in the middle of the pitch and slide the ball onto Longelo’s path. The full-back charged up the wing and crossed to Maswanhise, who was tussling with Henderson. Maswanhise managed to get a touch on the ball as it went wide for a corner. There were claims for a penalty kick, but VAR opted not to intervene.

A minute later, the ball fell to Said in the penalty area; with defenders all around him, he swivelled and smashed the ball off the crossbar. A huge chance for the Steelmen.

There were limited chances between then and half-time. Oscar Priestman threaded a lovely ball in behind to Fadinger; he got to the ball before Scott Bain and tried to lift it over the on-rushing goalkeeper, but Bain managed to block the effort.

Alex Lowry was introduced for Mikey Booth at the half time interval, as both sides looked for more attacking action in the second period, but Falkirk looked brighter than their first-half display.

The first Motherwell chance in the second-half arrived at the hour mark when Longelo was released high up the left-hand side. The full-back once again looked for Maswanhise in the middle; he smashed a cross towards the forward, but Maswanhise fired well over.

Two minutes later, a long clearance following a Falkirk cross was trapped by Maswanhise, who carried it forward up the left wing. He laid the ball to Lowry on the edge of the box, but the Wycombe loanee couldn’t keep his strike down.

Motherwell’s best chance of the second half fell to substitute Johnny Koutroumbis with 12 minutes to go. Charles-Cook started a quick breakaway and fed the ball to Lowry. The midfielder dinked the ball across to the other side into Koutroumbis’ feet; the full-back settled himself and opted for power inside the box, but the effort went sailing over the bar.

The Steelmen saw out the remainder of the game with focus quickly turning to another European night at Fir Park this Thursday.

Motherwell Team: Paulsen, Sparrow, Knight-Lebel, Moormann, Longelo, Priestman, Fadinger, Said, Booth, Maswanhise, Vogt.

Motherwell Subs: Connelly, McConnell, Koutroumbis, Girdwood-Reich, Wilson, Ross, Whyte, Lowry, Charles-Cook.