It was a difficult day in the Scottish Premiership for clubs featuring Estonian internationals, as Livingston and Kilmarnock both suffered heavy defeats away from home against Aberdeen and Motherwell, respectively.
Estonian striker Alex Tamm and defender Michael Schjönning-Larsen both began their matches on the substitutes’ bench.
In a chaotic, goal-filled encounter in Aberdeen, both teams were involved in an early attacking spectacle. Aberdeen quickly took the lead, but Livingston responded with two goals of their own to move ahead. However, the hosts struck twice late in the first half to reclaim the advantage before the break.
The second half was more restrained in terms of goals – at least until the 75th minute, when Aberdeen scored their fourth. Immediately after that goal, Tamm was introduced as Livingston searched for a spark and for the Estonian forward’s first goal in Scotland since his move from Olimpija Ljubljana. Livingston’s hopes were dashed late on, however, as Aberdeen added two more goals to complete a dominant 6-2 victory, with Finland international Topi Keskinen scoring both goals.
Meanwhile, Kilmarnock faced a tough outing at Motherwell. The visitors had the ball in the net early on, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review. Motherwell then seized control and opened the scoring midway through the first half. Kilmarnock’s situation worsened shortly after when a red card reduced them to ten men, and Motherwell capitalised almost immediately to double their lead.
Schjönning-Larsen entered the match at the start of the second half, making his third appearance in the Scottish top flight, but his introduction could not change the course of the game. Motherwell added two further goals after the break to seal a comprehensive 4-0 win.
Following these defeats, both Estonian-represented clubs remain at the bottom end of the Premiership table. Kilmarnock sit second from bottom with 14 points, while Livingston occupy last place in 12th, three points adrift.
Both sides will have a chance to respond next Saturday, when the fixtures are reversed: Kilmarnock will host Aberdeen, while Livingston welcome Motherwell.
