Flora European campaign ends with a defeat at home against Valur

FC Flora’s European journey came to an early and painful end tonight at A. Le Coq Arena, as they fell 1–2 (aggregate 1–5) to Icelandic side Valur in the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round. Despite an improved second-leg performance and a late surge, Flora once again fell short where it mattered most: the scoreboard.

The night began with high hopes and a new tactical setup. Head coach Konstantin Vassiljev made few changes from the first leg, swapping out both wingers—Kuraksin and Rõivassepp—for Kaares and Zenjov, clearly signaling an aggressive approach. Flora had no choice but to attack, chasing a daunting 0–3 deficit from the away leg.

The match started with pressure from the visitors. Valur earned a free kick inside the first minute, which was punched away by keeper Grünvald. The Icelanders looked comfortable, pressing selectively and maintaining composure under Flora’s early probing.

Flora’s first real threat came in the 24th minute. Mihhailov, after a set-piece scenario, unleashed a strike that forced a fingertip save into the crossbar. Seconds later, Poom tried his luck from distance. A minute later, the duo combined again, with Poom narrowly missing from close range after good work from Sappinen.

But in a cruel twist, Mihhailov gifted possession to Haraldsson, who responded with a sensational long-range lob—launched from his own half—that caught Grünvald off guard and silenced the home crowd. Valur led 1–0 on the night, 4–0 on aggregate.

Flora didn’t fold. Just five minutes later, Sappinen restored hope, finishing coolly after a lovely one-two with Poom inside the box. Zenjov almost made it 2–1 before halftime but was denied from point-blank range.

The second half opened with more promise from Flora. They won successive corners and showed attacking intent, but struggled to break through a disciplined Valur defense. Poom came closest on the hour mark after good work by Kaares, his effort brushing the side netting.

In the 66th minute, a long-awaited return sparked excitement as Mark Anders Lepik, just back from injury, entered alongside Kuraksin. Flora pushed harder, and chaos erupted in the 70th minute in Valur’s box, but Kuraksin couldn’t find a finishing touch amid a scramble of defenders.

Then came the final blow. In stoppage time, Jonsson capitalized on a botched clearance, dancing past defenders and chipping in from a tight angle to make it 2–1 for Valur. Moments later, Kuraksin had a chance to equalize, one-on-one with the keeper, but shot straight into his gloves.

As the full time whistle blew Flora for the second year in a row from European competition was eliminated by Icelandic club. This time 1:5 on aggregate.

Flora’s effort improved across both legs, but the damage had been done in Reykjavik. Their brief stint in Europe yielded no coefficient points for Estonia—a bitter pill for the club and the league alike.

FC Flora Tallinn vs Valur – 1:2 (1:1) – 1:5 on aggregate
Goals: Sappinen 41′ | Haraldsson 29′, Jonsson 90+3′
FLO: Grunvald, Hussar, Kolobov, Tougjas, Tovstik (Lukka 79′), Mihhailov (Kuraksin 67′), Teevali (Kalimullin 90+6′), Poom, Zenjov (Alamaa 90+6′), Sappinen, Kaares (Lepik 67′)
VAL: Schram (Agustsson 82′), Omarsson, Eyjolfsson, Nakkim, Larusson (J.Palsson 76′), Jonsson, Magnusson Anonsson, A.Palsson (Kjartansson 76′), Sigurdsson (Skoglund 67′), Haraldsson (Heimisson 67′)