sarjaottelu

Sarjaottelu is a Finnish term used in sports to denote a league match or a game played as part of a season's schedule. The word combines sarja, meaning league or series, with ottelu, meaning match or game. In practice, sarjaottelu describes a regular-season game between two teams within the same league or division, as opposed to a cup or knockout contest. The term is common across many team sports in Finland, including football, ice hockey, basketball and volleyball.

Outcome of a sarjaottelu typically affects the teams' position in the league standings. Points are awarded according to the sport's rules; in football and basketball, wins and draws contribute to the table, in ice hockey there may be additional points for overtime or shootouts. The term is used in match reports, league tables and fixtures, and fans may talk about sarjaottelut when discussing the season's schedule or important league matches. In some contexts, especially during playoff periods, sarjaottelu can also refer to a game within a series of matches between the same teams.

Because the term is generic, its precise meaning depends on sport and league. It is not used for cup ties or knockout rounds, nor for pre-season friendlies. In official schedules, media coverage and fan discussions, sarjaottelu signals a match that counts toward the season's competitive standings within the league.