FCI Levadia took another step towards the Premium Liiga title with a 2-0 away victory over Paide Linnameeskond, scoring twice in the second half after an evenly contested opening 45 minutes.
Paide entered the match fighting for a top-three finish and European qualification, while runaway leaders Levadia were looking to move another step closer to securing the championship. The hosts were missing several players through suspension and injuries, while summer signing Dawda Darboe was handed his first Premium Liiga start. Levadia also gave Mollo Bessala his first league start since returning to the club.
There was little between the teams during the opening stages. Joao Pedro came closest for Levadia when his free kick was heading underneath the crossbar, forcing Ebrima Jarju to tip the ball over. At the other end, Paide threatened through Martin Miller, who released Hindrek Ojamaa behind the defensive line, but his effort from around 12 metres bounced narrowly wide of the far post.
Levadia gradually took control of possession, although Paide continued to create opportunities on the counterattack. Modou Sohna sent a dangerous effort just wide from the edge of the penalty area before the hosts came within centimetres of taking the lead in first-half stoppage time. Juan Palacios, who had replaced the injured Momodou Jobarteh, met Siim Luts’ pass around the penalty spot and directed his effort against the post.
Both teams changed their attack at half-time, with Henri Anier replacing Darboe for Paide and Nikoloz Kutateladze coming on for Bessala. The visitors quickly began to take greater control of the match.
The second half then produced a controversial sequence. Levadia were initially awarded a penalty after Daniil Skvortsov went down following contact with Luts, but referee reviewed the incident on the VAR monitor and reversed his decision, instead booking Skvortsov for simulation. Moments later, Anier had an opportunity at the opposite end but fired narrowly wide, before having a goal disallowed for handball shortly afterwards.
Levadia were awarded another penalty soon after when Victor Hugo brought down Wendell near the edge of the area. This time the decision stood, and Skvortsov stepped up to send the penalty into the top-left corner and give the league leaders the advantage.
From there, Levadia controlled much of the second half. Paide attempted to push higher in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but struggled to create a clear opening against the visitors’ defence.
The result was finally put beyond doubt in stoppage time. Lehtmets fired towards goal and Jarju produced a good initial save, but could only push the ball back into the danger area. Joao Pedro reacted quickest to the rebound and converted from close range to make it 2-0.
Levadia increase their lead in the league table to 14 points over second place Flora, while Paide with 42 points after 25 matches are 4th.
Next matches:
Paide Linnameeskond (a) Tartu Tammeka – September 9
Levadia Tallinn (h) FC Kuressaare – September 9
Paide Linnameeskond vs Levadia Tallinn – 0-2 (0-0)
Goals: Skvortsov 68′ (penalty kick), Joao Pedro 90+4′
| # | 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 |
