The 26th round of the Estonian Premium Liiga was marked by another impressive display from Pärnu JK Vaprus, who continued their remarkable run of form with a 1-0 home victory over Paide Linnameeskond. It was their fifth straight league win, keeping their European hopes alive, while elsewhere leaders Levadia bounced back from their surprise stumble against Pärnu last week by defeating Narva Trans, and their closest rivals Flora cruised past bottom side JK Tallinna Kalev.
The action began on Friday with Levadia taking on Narva Trans. Having already beaten Trans twice this season by narrow margins, Levadia were determined to make it three out of three. By the middle of the second half they were well on their way, leading 3-0 thanks to a brace from Bubacarr Tambedou and a goal from the coach’s son, Carlos Torres, who netted for the second time this campaign. A clean sheet was denied them, however, as Canadian defender Cristian Campagna pulled one back for Narva in the 68th minute, though the three points never looked in doubt.
Saturday produced two compelling matches. Flora Tallinn, chasing the leaders, visited JK Tallinna Kalev. After a goalless first half, the floodgates opened in the 59th minute when veteran Rauno Alliku scored his first of the season. Within 13 minutes Flora had added two more through Danil Kuraksin and Alliku again, effectively killing off the contest. Kuraksin completed his brace late on to seal a 4-0 win, Flora’s third straight victory over Kalev this season.
Meanwhile, in Pärnu, the in-form Vaprus side welcomed Paide Linnameeskond in a clash of two teams riding winning streaks. Paide’s task was made almost impossible early on when Nikita Baranov was sent off in the eighth minute, and things got worse in the 24th when Oskar Hoim also received a straight red card. Pärnu capitalized on their two-man advantage as Sander Kapper scored his seventh goal of the season to give them the lead in the 38th minute.
Surprisingly, despite their numerical superiority, Vaprus could not fully dominate, and the tension grew when Virgo Vallik saw red for a reckless challenge in the 59th minute, reducing the hosts to ten men. The game ended with just 19 players on the pitch, but Paide were unable to find an equalizer. Vaprus held firm for a seventh straight win in all competitions and their fifth in the league, moving them within eight points of fourth-placed Nõmme Kalju.
Sunday brought the round to a close with two more matches. In Tallinn, Nõmme Kalju defeated bottom side Kuressaare 2-0, with Joosep Kobin opening the scoring in the 63rd minute before Mattias Mannilaan struck a stoppage-time penalty against his former club, where he had played for five seasons. In Tartu, JK Tammeka made easy work of Harju Laagri, winning 3-0 with goals from Tristan Koskor, Olawale Tanimowo, and Patrick Veelma, who converted a penalty in the second half.
With the international break now upon us, the league will resume on September 13 with a highly anticipated clash as Flora Tallinn host Pärnu Vaprus in what could be the defining test of Vaprus’ stunning winning streak.
Premium Liiga Matchday 26 Games
- 29.08.2025 – FC Levadia vs JK Narva Trans – 3:1
- 30.08.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs FC Flora Tallinn – 0:4
- 30.08.2025 – Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Paide Linnameeskond – 1:0
- 31.08.2025 – Nõmme Kalju FC vs FC Kuressaare – 2:0
- 31.08.2025 – Tartu JK Tammeka vs Harju JK Laagri – 3:0
| # | 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 |
