HJK Helsinki prepares for UEFA Conference League tie against Coleraine

Finland's HJK Helsinki will open its UEFA Conference League campaign on Thursday at the Bolt Arena, hosting Northern Irish side Coleraine in the second‑qualifying‑round first leg. HJK, fifth in the 2025 Veikkausliiga and Finnish Cup winners, are seeking to improve on last season's exit after a 5‑year run of group‑stage appearances.

Coleraine earned a spot by finishing second in the NIFL Premiership and winning the Irish Cup, returning to European competition for the first time since the 2020‑21 Europa League qualifiers. Both clubs view the match as a chance to gain valuable European experience and momentum for their domestic seasons.