Pavlov heroics propel Nõmme Kalju past Partizani in Extra Time

In a tightly contested UEFA Conference League first qualifying round second leg, Nõmme Kalju FC secured a 1-0 victory over FK Partizani thanks to a 104th-minute goal by Nikita Ivanov. The two-legged tie ended 2-1 on aggregate in favor of Kalju, who will now face Ireland’s St Patrick’s Athletic in the second round.

Kalju’s lineup saw one key change from the first leg, with Guilherme replacing Uku Kõrre. The match kicked off with an early scare for Kalju as Partizani’s Isgandarli capitalized on a defensive error to fire a low shot narrowly past the far post in the 4th minute. Later, defender Bytyci unleashed a powerful shot from 35-40 meters, forcing goalkeeper Maksim Pavlov into a crucial save to keep the score level.

The first half ended goalless, with both sides cautious and searching for openings. Early in the second half, Kalju came close when Tarassenkov delivered a sharp pass across the box, but the alert Kask just missed connecting at the far post.

The game’s intensity escalated when Partizani was awarded a penalty following a foul by Musolitin. Skuka stepped up but saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by Pavlov, who dove to his left and tipped the ball away, preserving the deadlock and sending the game into extra time.

In extra time, the breakthrough came through a slick combination. Tarassenkov’s cross from the right wing slipped past the first defenders, where Nikolajev controlled it before threading a precise pass to Ivanov at the penalty spot. With a one-touch finish, Ivanov scored the decisive goal to put Kalju ahead 2-1 on aggregate.

The remainder of the match was tense, with Kalju’s defense holding firm despite some late challenges. As the final whistle blew, with only three shots on target all match, Kalju’s clinical finishing proved sufficient to secure the victory.

With this hard-fought victory, Nõmme Kalju now prepare to face St Patrick’s Athletic next Thursday, eager to build on their European success.

FK Partizani vs Nõmme Kalju FC – 0:1 after ET (0:0) – 1:2 on aggregate
Goals: Ivanov 104′
PAR: Qirko, Martinez, Preka, Bytyci, Buxhelaj (Atanaskoski 87′), Sembene, Mehmeti (Shanaj 101′), Garcia (Kote 53′), Isgandarli (Gudjufi 91′), Malaj, Skuka
NOM: Pavlov, Mashchenko, Podholjuzin, Tambedou, Tarassenkov (Korre 106′), Musolitin, Siht, Kask (Nikolajev 88′), Patrikejevs, Smith (Ivanov 46′), Mannilaan (Jabir 113′)