Group 1 opened with Lahti playing JJK at Kisapuisto in temperatures of -10c, and ended in a goalless draw.
Photo of the first match between Lahti and JJK in January
The second match between the two clubs also took place in Kisapuisto on 5th February, with JJK the home team. It also ended in a draw, Olli Tynkkynen opened the scoring for Lahti before Eero Markkanen equalised.
Taken during the second match (photo by Maalipotku)
Group one ended with TPS as group winners, while Lahti were runners-up and JJK were one of the best third place sides.
Lahti defeated group 3 winners RoPS 1-0 in the quarter-finals, then thoroughly beat KuPS 3-0 in the semi-finals.
JJK surprised most by defeating HJK on penalties in the last eight (after a 0-0 draw), then defeated TPS on penalties (again after a 0-0 draw) to reach the final.
The first silverware is up for grabs this weekend, and while it may not give a precise indication of what is to come, the glory is in the trophy. The last Liigacup winner to finish the league season in first place was FC Inter in 2008. But both teams will be looking to put a marker down for the season, and what better way than with a trophy.
The prize for Saturday's winners
Statistics
Lahti have played five matches in the Liigacup, scoring 8 goals and conceding 3.
JJK have played five matches and scored 7 goals and conceded five, all in the group stage.
The final is being played in Lahti, due to Lahti having the better group stage record.
Lahti have won the Liigacup once, in 2007 they defeated Inter on penalties in the final after a 0-0 draw. JJK reached the final in 2011, but lost to Honka in Espoo (after another 0-0 draw).
JJK's top scorer in the competition is Eero Marrkanen with four goals (including a hat-trick against Inter). Lahti's top scorers are Olli Tynkkynen and Loorents Hertsi with two goals each.
At the time of writing, Lahti are even money to win in 90 minutes with Unibet, while JJK are 5/2 against.
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