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Fir Park rocked as 8,000 ‘Well fans celebrated Motherwell’s 2-0 win over HJK Helsinki to set up a blockbuster tie with Freiburg next week.  Inspired by a couple of high class goals from the player who missed the first leg due to a visa problem, the Steelmen controlled most of the match and earned a the right to extend the European Tour.  Lukas Fadinger sported the captain’s armband. Alfred Johansson made four changes from the eleven that started against Falkirk on Sunday but the rhythm of the team carried on seamlessly.  The teams switched ends before kick off and for the opening fifteen minutes it was an even contest. Both sides had the ball in the opponent’s box and the massive home support had their first moment to cheer when Emmanuel Longelo fired into the side net.  For the rest of the half Motherwell pushed the visitors back and chances followed.  Tawanda Maswanhise, Regan Charles-Cook and Said all had their moments but the score remained all square at the break. The tie turned in Motherwell’s favour immediately after half-time.  Said moved in from the left and fired beyond Markovic from the edge of the box with defenders trailing in his wake.  The roofs of the old stadium shook as the crowd exploded but the roar was even louder ten minutes later. Said from a central position dribbled through the HJK lines before poking the ball into the net.  The jubilant midfielder enjoyed the moment. The contest was over and HJK knew it.  Teemu Pukki and his fellow substitutes never came close to beating Alex Paulsen. It was an impressive performance from the Steelmen who paraded the pitch to thank the crowd for their backing.   The next round will be a real test.  Freiburg were last season’s beaten Europa League finalists and they were seventh in the Bundesliga.  They have yet to play a competitive match and have a friendly with Crystal Palace on Saturday. What a wonderful night at Fir Park – Come on ye ‘Well. Motherwell 2 HJK 0  (Aggregate 3 – 1)                                               Attendance: 8,185 Team: Paulsen, Moorman, Koutroumbis (Knight-Lebel 64), Girwood-Reich, Priestman (Whyte 58), Longelo, Fadinger, Lowry (Wilson 77), Charles–Cook, Said, (Vogt 64), Maswanhise (Booth 77) Thursday 13 August 2026