Torino 2 : 0 HJK Helsinki - Torino sink HJK

Posted Friday, October 24, 2014 by PA

Torino's defence once again proved unbeatable in the Europa League as the Italian side claimed a 2-0 win over HJK Helsinki that moves them to the top of Group B.

Giuseppe Vives hit the bar early on for Torino before Christian Molinaro opened the scoring in the 35th minute and Carvalho Amauri added a second before the hour mark.

There was no way back for Helsinki after that as Torino recorded their seventh clean sheet in this season's competition.

The triumph has left Toro alone at the top of Group B, two points clear of Club Brugge, who were held to a 1-1 draw at home to FC Copenhagen.

Helsinki have yet to win and are at the foot of the standings with one point after three games.

Torino dominated possession early on and had the first chance after just two minutes.

Nikola Maksimovic spotted Josef Martinez in the area and his powerful effort was saved by Helsinki goalkeeper Antonio Doblas.

The home side then came close to taking the lead in the 17th minute when Vives took aim from 30 yards, but although his drive beat Doblas, it struck the bar.

With Helsinki struggling in attack, Doblas was called on to make another save midway through the first half as Amauri threatened with a powerful header.

Giampiero Ventura's men were finally rewarded for their dominance when Matteo Darmian crossed to Molinaro and he stuck his shot past Doblas from the left side of the area to make it 1-0.

The Finns at last tested Torino goalkeeper Daniele Padelli eight minutes into the second half with a long-range shot from Robin Lod, but it was not good enough to beat the home custodian.

Then, in the 58th minute, Torino extended their lead when Amauri got past his marker to thump a bullet strike past Doblas from 22 yards and, with their impressive defensive record, the two-goal lead proved more than enough to earn them the points.