HJK Helsinki retained the Veikkausliiga title on the final day of the Finnish season, lifting the trophy for the fourth successive year after a convincing 6-3 victory at JJK Jyväskylä.

A three-point lead, coupled with a vastly superior goal difference, over FC Inter Turku meant that HJK were in a position of strength going into their 33rd and last league game of 2012. Three goals in the opening 20 minutes – from Sebastian Mannström, Rasmus Schüller and Joel Pohjanpalo – set them on their way to their 19th win of the campaign and extinguished Inter's slim hopes.

Inter lost 3-0 at cup winners FC Honka Espoo, but finished runners-up and will play in next season's UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds alongside third-placed TPS Turku.

The battle against relegation also went to the last. Valkeakosken Haka trailed FF Jaro by a point at kick-off, but their hopes were raised when they took a 1-0 lead at VPS Vaasa and Jaro fell behind against TPS. Jaro, however, turned the game around for a 2-1 win, meaning Haka's three points were in vain. Haka will be replaced in the top flight by Ykkönen champions RoPS Rovaniemi.

HJK are the most successful club in Finland with a record 25 league championships, 14 more than nearest rivals FC Haka and HPS Helsinki, who have nine apiece.