HJK had only reached this stage thanks to a remarkable comeback against NSI Runavik of 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 from home.
It was almost as if they were inviting a similar narrative this time - they failed to record a single shot in the first half, while Arda brought the best out of visiting goalkeeper Thijmen Nijhuis.
He tipped away both a long-range driving from Birsent Karagaren and a dipping header from Georgi Nikolov, before a mix up at the back gave Karagaren a chance to catch Nijhuis out, but his attempted chip was safely gathered by the Dutchman.
HJK finally managed to muster an shot after the break, but Santeri Hostikka's strike missed the target, as did Ville Tikkanen's effort from a corner with 15 minutes to play.
That was all the Helsinki side offered in attack throughout the 90 minutes, while Nijhuis was called upon again to deny Lachezar Kotev on two occasions, the latter of which came three minutes into stoppage time, as HJK held on for what could be a crucial draw.
As in the First Qualifying Round, HJK will be looking for an improved performance in the second leg at home next Thursday.