Premium Liiga leaders FCI Levadia struck three times during a devastating first-half spell to secure a 3-1 away victory against Paide Linnameeskond in the central match of round 12, with the home side eventually finishing the game with only nine men after two second-half red cards.
Coming into the match Levadia were already in excellent form after winning five consecutive league matches, while victory would also allow Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko side to open a ten-point gap over Paide in the standings.
The visitors gradually took control after an even opening and found the breakthrough in the 10th minute through Bubacarr Tambedou. Following a corner kick, the ball was recycled back into the box where Wendell kept the attack alive from the byline before Tambedou cut inside a defender and fired a sharp finish past Ebrima Jarju at the near post to make it 1-0.
Levadia continued overwhelming the hosts and doubled the lead just seven minutes later. Paide once again struggled to clear their lines after sustained pressure inside the penalty area, with the loose ball eventually falling perfectly for Mark Roosnupp, who calmly adjusted himself before rifling home from inside the box for 2-0.
The away side were relentless and by the 24th minute had already built a three-goal advantage. Mihkel Ainsalu delivered a perfectly weighted long pass from midfield into the path of Wendell, who delicately lifted the ball over advancing goalkeeper Jarju to put Levadia firmly in command.
Paide were given a route back into the game moments later after Levadia captain Rasmus Peetson brought down Modou Sohna inside the penalty area. Daniel Cabral stepped up and emphatically converted the penalty into the top corner for his fifth goal of the season to reduce the deficit to 3-1.
The goal gave Paide some renewed belief before halftime and they created several dangerous moments, including a strong save from Karl Andre Vallner to deny header from Paide attacker, while Cabral also came close with an effort from a tight angle.
Still, Levadia remained dangerous throughout the second half and almost added a fourth goal on several occasions. Ainsalu headed narrowly wide from a promising cross, while Wendell and Tambedou both continued causing major problems for the Paide defence.
Any realistic hopes of a comeback disappeared in the 58th minute when Paide goalkeeper Jarju received a straight red card for handling the ball outside the penalty area to stop a clear goalscoring opportunity after Tambedou had broken through on goal.
Things became even worse for the home side only minutes later. Veteran striker Henri Anier, who had just entered the pitch as a substitute, was initially shown a yellow card after a late challenge on Joao Pedro. However, after a VAR review referee Joonas Jaanovits upgraded the punishment to a straight red card, leaving Paide with only nine players for the closing stages.
From there the intensity of the contest dropped considerably as Levadia comfortably controlled possession and protected their lead without major problems until the final whistle.
Thanks to the victory, Levadia further strengthened their position at the top of the Premium Liiga table, while Paide continue losing ground on the leading trio and remain fourth with 20 points.
Paide Linnameeskond vs FCI Levadia – 1-3 (1-3)
Goals: Daniel Cabral 27′ | Tambedou 11′, Roosnupp 17′, Wendell 24′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  FCI Levadia |
12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 32 | 9 | 23 | 30 |
| 2 |  Nõmme Kalju |
12 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 24 | 7 | 17 | 25 |
| 3 |  FC Flora |
12 | 8 | 0 | 4 | 25 | 12 | 13 | 24 |
| 4 |  Paide |
12 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 21 | 17 | 4 | 20 |
| 5 |  Tammeka |
12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 15 | 18 | -3 | 16 |
| 6 |  Harju |
12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 15 | 22 | -7 | 16 |
| 7 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
12 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 15 | 22 | -7 | 16 |
| 8 |  Nõmme United |
12 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 26 | 30 | -4 | 13 |
| 9 |  Kuressaare |
12 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 11 | 22 | -11 | 9 |
| 10 |  Narva Trans |
12 | 2 | 0 | 10 | 9 | 34 | -25 | 6 |
