Paide Linnameeskond suffered a 0–2 defeat to Swedish powerhouse AIK Stockholm in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, played at Kadriorg Stadium.
Ahead of the match, there was plenty of excitement as fans gathered for a big European night. Notably absent from Paide’s lineup was Robi Saarma, who had just transferred to Czech top-tier side FK Pardubice. Paide’s starting eleven featured no major surprises. Baranov and newcomer Victor Hugo started in central defense, with Jarju, Saliste, Delevic, and Gueye completing the back line. In midfield, Gilmore, Ojamaa, and Miller were tasked with controlling the game, while Corr and Luts formed the attacking duo. Head coach Vassiljev also had Anier and Suso on the bench, the latter one has not participated in a game since 4th of May.
AIK fans brought intensity from the start, with a strong showing in the away section, flares, and nonstop chanting. Even before kick-off, the noise was relentless.
The match began with Paide showing courage, opting to play short passes and press high. But in the 7th minute, AIK struck first. A cross found Bersant Celina, whose header bounced in off the underside of the crossbar. Jarju was caught out, and AIK led 1–0.
Despite the early goal, Paide stayed composed. Corr pressed well, Ojamaa looked sharp in midfield, and Paide continued to build attacks. Both sides made passing errors, but the game remained fairly even in terms of possession and intent. Paide created half-chances through Corr and Luts, while AIK tested the defense with balls into the box.
Celina looked dangerous again before halftime, but the assistant referee’s flag cut his run short. At the break, AIK led 1–0, but the match felt closer than the scoreline suggested.
The second half saw more of the same. Paide pushed forward, Corr and Luts worked hard up top, and Ojamaa had a few efforts. Suso and Cham were brought on to add energy. Paide’s play was spirited and bold, though breaking through AIK’s solid defense proved difficult.
In the 68th minute, AIK doubled their lead. Aron Csongvai fired a shot from just outside the box, beating Jarju at his near post. 2–0 to the visitors.
Still, Paide didn’t give up. Miller had a late chance, and Cham’s deliveries caused some trouble in the AIK box. Victor Hugo put in a solid performance at center-back, and despite the result, Paide can take pride in a disciplined and determined display.
The match ended 2–0 in AIK’s favor. Though Paide lost, the team showed they could compete with a side of AIK’s caliber. They now face a tough challenge in the return leg in Stockholm, where they’ll need a strong performance to keep their European hopes alive.
Paide Linnameeskond vs AIK Stockholm – 0:2 (0:1)
Goals: Celina 7’ Csongvai 68’
PAI: Jarju, Gueye (Lilander 83’), Baranov, Delevic, Victor Hugo, Saliste (S.Luts 75’), Miller, Ojamaa (Suso 83’), Gilmore (Hoim 83’), D.Luts (Cham 62’), Corr
AIK: Nordfeldt, Thychosen (Geiger 83’), Benkovic (Isherwood 75’), Papagiannopoulos, Tiedemann, Csongvai (Ali 75’), Hove (Ayari 62’), Seltros, Besirovic, Guildetti (Flataker 62’), Celina
