The Premium Liiga weekend concluded with a fiercely contested Railway Derby, as Tallinna Flora edged past Nõmme Kalju 1–0 at A. Le Coq Arena in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments.
Attention turned to this much-anticipated clash between two of the league’s top sides. Flora and Kalju have produced fireworks all season, and their third meeting was no exception.
One of the major pre-match talking points was Kalju’s new signing, Mattias Männilaan, a former Flora academy player, starting against his old club. For Flora, 18-year-old Gregor Rõivassepp was handed a rare start in midfield, having played just 94 minutes all season. Also back in the squad was forward Mark Anders Lepik, making his return to the squad list after more than ten months out injured.
The game started at a high tempo. Kalju’s Männilaan almost scored a debut goal in the 7th minute, latching onto a through ball and attempting a chip over goalkeeper Evert Grünvald, but the shot was weak and easily saved. Moments later, Flora responded with a clever free-kick routine that led to a header, only for Pavlov to deny them.
Flora appeared to take the lead midway through the first half when Markus Poom found the net following a flowing team move, but the goal was ruled out for offside against Rauno Sappinen in the buildup. Kalju also came close through Guilherme, who created several dangerous moments, while Kristjan Kask rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike just before halftime.
Despite numerous chances at both ends, the first half ended goalless. Kalju looked more dangerous early in the second half, with Männilaan and Guilherme again combining well. Siht had a one-on-one chance after a lofted pass from Tambedou but was denied by a sharp save from Grünvald.
Flora pushed back. Sappinen and Poom continued to create chances, with Poom attempting an acrobatic volley that forced another strong save from Pavlov. Despite multiple corners and attacking plays, the breakthrough remained elusive. But then came the 93rd minute.
With the match seemingly destined for a draw, Sappinen broke into the box and fired a shot from a tight angle. Pavlov parried it, but the rebound fell perfectly for 16-year-old Andero Kaares, who smashed it into the net from close range. It was a moment of pure drama — and a dream goal for the teenager. The final whistle blew moments later: Flora 1, Kalju 0.
For the third time this season, Flora and Kalju delivered a match full of intensity, close chances, and a dramatic ending. Flora take all three points thanks to a late hero, while Kalju are left to rue missed opportunities once again.
FC Flora Tallinn vs Nomme Kalju FC – 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Kaares 90+3′
FLO: Grunvald, Hussar, Kolobov, Tougjas, Tovstik, Teevali, Poom, Roivassepp (Alliku 57′), Mihhailov, Kuraksin (Kaares 68′), Sappinen
NOM: Pavlov, Siht, Mashchenko, Podholjuzin, Tambedou, Kask (Marin 73′), Patrikejevs (Eyang 84′), Tarassenkov, Ivanov (Musolitin 58′), Guilherme, Mannilaan
Premium Liiga Matchday 19:
- 04.07.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs FCI Levadia – 0:3
- 05.07.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs FC Kuressaare – 3:2
- 06.07.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 3:2
- 06.07.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs Nomme Kalju FC – 1:0
- 25.07.2025 – Parnu JK Vaprus vs Harju JK Laagri – 19:00
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | FC Flora | 36 | 26 | 4 | 6 | 53 | 82 |
| 2 | FCI Levadia | 36 | 25 | 4 | 7 | 55 | 79 |
| 3 | Nõmme Kalju | 36 | 23 | 5 | 8 | 32 | 74 |
| 4 | Paide | 36 | 21 | 7 | 8 | 31 | 70 |
| 5 | Narva Trans | 36 | 15 | 6 | 15 | -1 | 51 |
| 6 | Pärnu Vaprus | 36 | 14 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 49 |
| 7 | Harju JK | 36 | 10 | 6 | 20 | -21 | 36 |
| 8 | Tammeka Tartu | 36 | 9 | 3 | 24 | -36 | 30 |
| 9 | FC Kuressaare | 36 | 8 | 4 | 24 | -35 | 28 |
| 10 | Tallinna Kalev | 36 | 5 | 2 | 29 | -81 | 17 |
