HJK only reached this stage due to an impressive comeback against NSI Runavik from the Faroe Islands in the First Qualifying Round, winning the second leg 5-0 after extra time, having lost the first leg 4-0 away.
It was almost as if they were inviting a similar story this time - they failed to register a single shot in the first half, while Arda tested the visiting goalkeeper Thijmen Nijhuisrepeatedly.
He saved both a long-range shot from Birsent Karagaren and a dipping header from Georgi Nikolovbefore a defensive mix-up allowed Karagaren a chance to surprise Nijhuis, but his attempted chip was safely collected by the Dutch keeper.
HJK finally managed to create a shot after halftime, but Santeri Hostikka's attempt missed the goal, as did Ville Tikkanen's effort from a corner with 15 minutes remaining.
That was all the Helsinki team could muster in attack throughout the 90 minutes, while Nijhuis was called into action again to deny Lachezar Kotev twice, the latter being three minutes into stoppage time, as HJK held on for what could be a significant drawas well.
Similar to the First Qualifying Round, HJK will be aiming for a better performance in the second leg at home next Thursday.
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