Stunning second-half derby comeback keeps Levadia title chances alive

In one of the most dramatic Tallinn derbies of recent years, FCI Levadia fought back from two goals down to score three unanswered goals and defeat their main rivals FC Flora Tallinn 3-2, keeping the title race alive.

Levadia and manager Curro Torres came into the clash under huge pressure, having lost 1-3 to Flora in the derby a week earlier on the same pitch and then falling 1-2 to Nõmme Kalju on Sunday.

Flora, by contrast, had momentum on their side: a last-minute Rauno Sappinen goal had given them victory over Tartu Tammeka, stretching their lead at the top to six points. The equation was simple – victory for Flora would open up a daunting nine-point gap with only seven rounds remaining, a draw would maintain their six-point advantage, but a Levadia win would cut the difference to just three and reignite the title race. In head-to-head terms, Flora still held the edge, with two wins and a draw from their three previous meetings this season, so Levadia knew even a victory would not overturn that tie-breaker.

The match began at a furious pace. Within 15 seconds Levadia had a corner, and by the 19th minute they had already forced six, striking the post once and drawing saves from young keeper Kivila. Flora soaked up the pressure, then hit back ruthlessly. In the 25th minute, Sappinen slipped a clever pass to Deivid Andreas, who finished calmly for 1-0. Soon after, Andreas struck again, latching onto a deflection and guiding the ball into the net. VAR checked for a foul in the build-up but allowed the goal to stand, and Flora went into halftime with a 2-0 lead despite Levadia’s territorial dominance.

The second half, however, turned the derby on its head. A disallowed goal early in the half only whetted Levadia’s appetite. In the 53rd minute, Brazilian winger Wendell produced a moment of magic, racing from his own half before cutting inside and unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner from 20 meters to make it 2-1.

Moments later he missed a chance to level and was later booked, ruling him out of the next match, but the belief was back. In the 64th minute, Ainsalu equalized after Iboro’s long-range shot was spilled by Kivila, reacting first to slot home for 2-2.

Levadia kept pushing, and in the 73th minute came the decisive strike. Right-back Edgar Tur unleashed a shot from distance that took a deflection and flew into the net for 3-2. Flora, stunned, could not wrestle back control. Levadia continued to create danger from corners, while Flora relied on late opportunities for substitutes Lepik and Zenjov.

In stoppage time, Vallner made a vital save to deny Lepik, and when Zenjov fired over deep into the seventh added minute, the final whistle confirmed an incredible turnaround.

The result breathes new life into the title race. Levadia close the gap to just three points behind Flora, while Flora’s coach Konstantin Vassiljev will be left to rue a missed chance to stretch the lead to nine and virtually put the crown out of reach. The city derby delivered spectacle, goals, and high drama – exactly what a title fight deserves.

FC Flora Tallinn vs FCI Levadia – 2:3
Goals: Andreas 25′ 39′ | Wendell 54′, Ainsalu 64′, Tur 73′

Premium Liiga Matchday 23:

• 09.08.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs Harju JK Laagri – 1:3
• 09.08.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 4:1
• 09.08.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 2:2
• 10.08.2025– Nõmme Kalju FC vs Pärnu JK Vaprus – 1:2
• 24.09.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs FCI Levadia – 2:3