Cup shockers in Estonia as Viimsi eliminate defending champions Nõmme Kalju

Viimsi celebrates. Image credit to Katariina Peetson/jalgpall.ee

The Estonian Cup Round of 16 delivered several surprises today, as two Premium Liiga clubs were knocked out by second-tier opponents, finalizing the lineup of eight teams that will continue their quest for the national cup title. Defending Cup champions Nõmme Kalju and Harju JK Laagri both suffered 0-1 defeats, losing to Viimsi JK and Nõmme United respectively.

Last season’s cup champions Nõmme Kalju entered their home match as strong favorites against Esiliiga runners-up Viimsi JK. The hosts rotated their lineup, giving opportunities to several younger players while balancing the squad ahead of the final two league fixtures, but still having a few key players in the lineup. However, Viimsi took a surprise lead in the 19th minute when midfielder Oskar Mägi’s high cross into the box was met by Senegalese forward Ma Anta Seye, who beat goalkeeper Maksim Pavlov to make it 1-0 for the visitors.

Viimsi even came close to doubling their lead before halftime, while Kalju struggled to break through a compact defense. In the second half, Kalju introduced more of their regular starters and created several big chances – Mattias Männilaan hit the crossbar with a header, and Ivans Patrikejevs missed a close-range rebound after the goalkeeper’s save. Despite late pressure, the equalizer never came, and Viimsi JK celebrated a shock victory to advance to the quarterfinals, eliminating one of the Premium Liiga’s top sides.

The other major upset came as Harju JK Laagri were defeated 0-1 by Nõmme United. The newly crowned Esiliiga champions, who have already secured promotion to next year’s 2026 Premium Liiga season, scored the decisive goal late in the match through 26-year-old Kevin Matas. This marks Nõmme United’s first-ever appearance in the Estonian Cup quarterfinals, a milestone moment in the club’s history.

Another top-division side, JK Tallinna Kalev, narrowly avoided elimination. Facing second-tier Elva away from home, Kalev took an early 1-0 lead in the fourth minute through their top scorer Taaniel Usta, before Erik Ilves equalized for Elva just minutes later. Usta then missed a second-half penalty, but Canadian fullback Zachary Sukunda secured a 2-1 victory in the 90th minute, ensuring Kalev’s progression.

Elsewhere, JK Narva Trans had no trouble in their tie against FC Tallinn, cruising to a 6-0 win. Josue Doke scored twice for the hosts, while Mykhailo Kozhushko, Aleksander Filatov, Ahmad Gero, and Nikita Baljabkin also found the net.

Five Premium Liiga clubs have reached the quarterfinals: FC Flora Tallinn, JK Tallinna Kalev, Paide Linnameeskond, JK Narva Trans, and Pärnu JK Vaprus. They will be joined by three Esiliiga teams – Viimsi JK, Nõmme United, and Tartu Welco – when the competition resumes next year.

Estonian Cup Round of 16: