In this League Cup encounter, HJK Helsinki secured a narrow 2-1 victory over IFK Mariehamn. The match was marked by early dominance from HJK, who capitalized on their quick attacking position to score within the sixth minute. Statistically, HJK's ability to strike early set the tone, forcing Mariehamn to chase the game from the outset.

HJK's offensive strategy was further emphasized by their superior number of corner kicks, totaling eight as compared to Mariehamn's four. This tilt allowed HJK to consistently pressurize the away team's defense, creating multiple opportunities in the attacking third. Mariehamn, on the contrary, struggled to cope with this sustained pressure but managed to equalize in the second half, showcasing resilience and effectiveness in their limited opportunities.

Discipline became a pressing issue as the match progressed, with both teams accumulating three yellow cards each. The high card count reflected the match's intensity but didn't translate into any red cards, ensuring neither team was numerically disadvantaged. This factor kept the playing field even in terms of personnel and allowed HJK to notch the match-winner in the dying moments of the second half. The balance and composure demonstrated by both teams underlined a contest decided by fine margins rather than overarching dominance.

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