What happened?

Teemu Pukki, the former Celtic star, is still producing moments of magic for HJK in the Conference League qualifier against Motherwell, according to coach Joonas Rantanen.

Why it matters for Motherwell

Rantanen believes that Pukki can still score goals and lead the team in the big moments, but he will not play twice a week, 90 minutes.

What comes next?

Motherwell have the slight edge going into the qualifiers, but they will face a massive challenge against HJK, who have a good team with lots of speed.

Teemu Pukki is still producing moments of magic for HJK in the Conference League qualifier against Motherwell, according to coach Joonas Rantanen. Pukki, the former Celtic star, is 36 years old, but Rantanen believes he can still score goals and lead the team in the big moments. However, Pukki will not play twice a week, 90 minutes, and Rantanen is trying to get the best out of him. Motherwell have the slight edge going into the qualifiers, but they will face a massive challenge against HJK, who have a good team with lots of speed. The biggest challenge for Motherwell is getting footage of Alfred Johansson's new-look team, but Rantanen believes they have a good picture and understanding of the team. He confirmed that they made some changes, but he thinks they have a good picture of the team. HJK have scouted Motherwell and know what to expect, but Rantanen believes they can still enjoy Pukki's performance. He hopes that they can still have those players in the locker room who can lead the team on the field. Rantanen believes that Pukki, Alex Ring, and some other players can share their knowledge and experience from being abroad. Motherwell have the slight edge going into the qualifiers, but they will face a massive challenge against HJK. They want to be a ball-possession team and have control of the game with the ball.

Goals this season: 52 scored, 29 conceded (+23 goal difference).

League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 4th in Premiership, 54 pts, 14W-12D-7L from 33 games, recent form WLDLW.

Title race: 16 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian.

Last result: Hibernian 0-1 Motherwell (2026-05-16).

Recent form (last 5): 2W-1D-2L (WWLLD, most recent first).