Nõmme Kalju continued their flawless start to the Premium Liiga season, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over FC Kuressaare and maintaining their perfect record and defensive record after three rounds.
Coming into the match as clear favourites, Kalju quickly took control, pushing for an early breakthrough. Their pressure paid off midway through the first half when a well-worked attacking move ended with a composed finish by Mattias Männilaan for his first of the league season that gave the home side a deserved lead.
Kalju continued to dominate possession and territory, though clear chances remained limited for stretches. Still, their efficiency in key moments proved decisive. Just before half-time, a powerful strike from distance by Danylo Mashchenko doubled the advantage, putting the hosts firmly in control at the break.
Kuressaare showed brief signs of life after the interval, creating a couple of half-chances, but Kalju’s defensive organisation remained solid. The visitors struggled to truly threaten, while at the other end, Kalju continued to find space and opportunities.
The game was effectively decided in the second half when Kalju added a third goal by Nikita Ivanov following a quick attacking move, capitalising on defensive gaps. Late on, a costly defensive error from Kuressaare allowed Kalju to seal the result with a fourth goal via substitute Mihhail Orlov, completing a comprehensive performance.
With three wins from three matches and no goals conceded, Kalju head into the international break in perfect form, looking like early title contenders.
Nõmme Kalju vs FC Kuressaare – 4-0 (2-0)
Goals: Männilaan 19′, Mashchenko 41′, Ivanov 75′, Orlov 89′
Round 26
Narva Trans
Nõmme United
Nõmme Kalju
FCI Levadia
Tammeka| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FCI Levadia |
25 | 19 | 5 | 1 | 66 | 20 | 46 | 62 |
| 2 | FC Flora |
26 | 16 | 0 | 10 | 51 | 33 | 18 | 48 |
| 3 | Nõmme Kalju |
26 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 46 | 24 | 22 | 44 |
| 4 | Paide |
25 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 40 | 33 | 7 | 42 |
| 5 | Tammeka |
25 | 13 | 2 | 10 | 33 | 35 | -2 | 41 |
| 6 | Harju |
26 | 10 | 1 | 15 | 36 | 43 | -7 | 31 |
| 7 | Pärnu Vaprus |
25 | 9 | 4 | 12 | 34 | 46 | -12 | 31 |
| 8 | Kuressaare |
26 | 8 | 4 | 14 | 30 | 42 | -12 | 28 |
| 9 | Nõmme United |
26 | 8 | 1 | 17 | 42 | 61 | -19 | 25 |
| 10 | Narva Trans |
26 | 5 | 2 | 19 | 19 | 60 | -41 | 17 |
