Motherwell's perfect start under new manager Alfred Johansson was denied by a brilliant equaliser from former Celtic striker Teemu Pukki in Helsinki. The 36-year-old produced an excellent finish to deny Motherwell victory in the first leg of their Conference League third qualifying round tie. Motherwell had won each of their opening three matches under Johansson and appeared on course to extend that run when Tawanda Maswanhise converted from the penalty spot to put the visitors ahead. Just eight minutes after Motherwell had gone in front, Pukki demonstrated that his goalscoring instincts remain intact deep into the latter stages of his career. The veteran collected possession with his back towards goal before producing a terrific piece of footwork to escape Emmanuel Longelo. Having created the opening for himself, Pukki then squeezed a powerful effort into the roof of the net from a difficult angle to restore parity. It was an impressive individual goal from a player who has become one of Finland's most celebrated footballers since his largely underwhelming period in Glasgow. Motherwell may view the draw as a positive result after emerging from a difficult European away fixture with the tie still firmly in their hands. Progress would move the Lanarkshire side to within one round of the Conference League proper, although a formidable challenge potentially awaits in the play-off. Last season's Europa League runners-up Freiburg are due to face the winners, making qualification an extremely demanding proposition for either side. Motherwell have already undergone significant upheaval since emerging as one of Scottish football's surprise packages last season. Jens Berthel Askou transformed the Steelmen with an ambitious and possession-heavy approach before earning a move to Toulouse during the summer. Several influential members of his squad have also moved on, including Elijah Just, Elliot Watt, Callum Slattery and Calum Ward. Johansson was subsequently handed the responsibility of maintaining the progress made under his predecessor and has promised not to abandon the footballing principles which brought Motherwell so much success. The early evidence has been encouraging, with Thursday's result in Finland another positive step in the opening weeks of his tenure. 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. Goals this season: 52 scored, 29 conceded (+23 goal difference). Title race: 16 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian. Recent form (last 5): 2W-1D-2L (WWLLD, most recent first); on a 2-game winning run. Motherwell will get their first look at Johansson's team in Premiership action when the sides meet at Fir Park on October 10. Their previous league encounter at the venue produced one of the most remarkable moments of last season, with Celtic's dramatic 3-2 victory on the penultimate day generating reaction far beyond Scottish football.