Torino top Group B after sinking HJK

• Torino seal three points to go top of Group B
• Cristian Molinaro puts hosts ahead; Amauri powers in second
• Club Brugge draw with København allows Granata to head section
• HJK bottom without a point from three games
• Next games: HJK v Torino (6 November)

Torino FC established themselves at the top of Group B as they proved too much for HJK Helsinki who remain without a point.

With Finnish sides having achieved just one win against Italian clubs in 18 meetings not many were expecting HJK to leave Turin with the three points, and the first half certainly backed up those expectations. From the off Torino were in charge, Josef Martínez firing just off target after controlling on his chest and whipping an early volley over his shoulder from an angle.

Unmarked left-back Cristian Molinaro hit another volley off target as he charged into the area to meet a right-wing cross before captain Giuseppe Vives left the crossbar shaking after crashing an effort at goal from 25 metres which almost dipped over Antonio Doblas. The deadlock was broken ten minutes before the half-time whistle and it came via a familiar route. Matteo Darmian broke into the right of the area and as forwards and defenders rushed to the front post he dinked to the back stick where Molinaro met it, this time with a resounding finish.

HJK almost got level shortly after the restart as Robin Lod zipped a free-kick at goal which forced Daniele Padelli to scramble to his left and turn wide. Any hopes of a comeback were quickly stymied by Amauri on 58 minutes. The imposing forward collected a pass 20 metres from goal and unleashed an unstoppable right footed effort which hurtled into the bottom corner and almost burst the net such was the power.

Amauri headed just off target before being substituted to a rapturous reception and there were no more dangers for the hosts, who made it seven clean sheets in European competition this season.