As FCI Levadia prepare to face Latvian champions RFS in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, midfielder Mihkel Ainsalu in the press-conference to the media said that he expects a fierce encounter.
The Estonian title-holders head into the match with strong momentum, having recently secured an impressive 3–0 home victory over Paide Linnameeskond. Both the result and the team’s performance gave Levadia a significant confidence boost. “Getting those three points was very important,” Ainsalu reflected. “The way we earned them is a great charge for the team. Keeping a clean sheet adds confidence and strengthens our unity.”
Defensive improvements have been a major focus for Levadia in recent weeks. When asked how the team has worked on this, Ainsalu was straightforward: “By training! Lots of video analysis, attention to details, and hard work in practice. Nothing more complicated than that. It all comes down to executing it on the pitch. When you do, it means the work has paid off.”
Levadia’s president Viktor Levada has openly expressed his dream of seeing the club finally reach a European group stage. Does that dream add pressure on the players? Ainsalu remained calm: “I can only speak for myself — I don’t feel any pressure. For some, it’s a dream; for others, a goal. Tomorrow, we get to take the first steps towards it.”
Looking at RFS and Levadia, it’s clear these are clubs with similar philosophies, both relying heavily on foreign players. RFS has reached European group stages twice in recent seasons — how to break their stronghold? “RFS is currently the most successful Baltic club,” Ainsalu acknowledged. “Their achievements over the last two years are excellent. But we have to focus on our own game and play at our best — that’s what we have analyzed and prepared for.”
Is victory then guaranteed if Levadia performs as planned? “Nothing is ever certain. You need to score goals and keep a clean sheet to be sure. Curro’s mentality is that we prove ourselves through actions on the field,” Ainsalu said.
The midfielder also admitted there’s added motivation in wanting to show their neighbors who’s boss. “Last year we faced a Lithuanian team and won. Now it’s Latvia’s turn — we want to win just the same. I know this team personally a bit better, and their squad, led by their coach, has stayed together for a long time. That’s the foundation Levadia has built as well. Most of us have been together for three years now, which creates a solid base for good results.”
When pressed on exactly what he means by “knowing the opponent,” Ainsalu smiled slyly and declined to elaborate further.
The match at A. Le Coq Arena will take place tomorrow at 19:30 Baltic Time. It will be broadcast live on Soccernet.ee’s YouTube channel with Estonian commentary, while Latvian channel TV4 and Sportacentrs.com will show the game with Latvian commentators.
