In Matchday 10 of the Estonian Premium Liiga, a surprising result occurred in Tallinn, where the local team, JK Tallinna Kalev, under new manager Alo Bärengrub, defeated title contenders Paide Linnameeskond 1-0.
Just two days prior, JK Tallinna Kalev announced that they had parted ways with manager Teemu Tainio following two heavy defeats—0-9 against FCI Levadia and 1-6 against Nomme Kalju FC. Assistant manager Alo Bärengrub was appointed to take charge with the aim of turning the team’s fortunes around. His first match was a challenging one, as they hosted Paide Linnameeskond, who had handed FCI Levadia their first loss of the season three days prior with a 2-1 victory.
In his starting lineup, Bärengrub chose to keep 17-year-old goalkeeper Miron Vetkal, who was making his second start of the season. He also included another teenager, Romet Nigula, in the lineup. Due to an injury to Canadian midfielder Zachary Sukunda, Taavi Jurisoo took his place. Meanwhile, Paide’s manager, Stojkovič, made only a few changes to his squad after the win against Levadia, starting Mouhamed Gueye, Daniel Luts, and Mechini Gomis, the latter of whom was playing in his first match of the season.
At the start of the game, both teams created numerous chances but struggled to find the finishing touch. Although Paide had many more shot attempts, Kalev managed to get closer to the goal, but their efforts were thwarted by Gambian goalkeeper Ebrima Jarju. As halftime approached, the score remained 0-0.
In the second half, JK Tallinna Kalev capitalized on a mistake made by a Paide player. Taavi Jurisoo managed to outrun Paide defender Nikita Baranov, who appeared to lose concentration and committed a silly foul just inside the penalty box. Initially, the referee did not see the foul, but after a VAR review, the decision was reversed, and a penalty kick was awarded to Kalev. Taaniel Usta, the 22-year-old player, stepped up to take the penalty and successfully sent goalkeeper Jarju the wrong way, giving Tallinna Kalev an unexpected lead.
In response, Paide increased their offensive pressure, eager to avoid this surprising defeat. However, much like in the first half and before Kalev’s goal, their lack of finishing proved costly. Whenever needed, the young goalkeeper Vetkal made brave plays and showed great determination in challenging situations, ultimately earning his first clean sheet in the Premium Liiga.
With this victory, JK Tallinna Kalev moved out of last place in the league table, now holding seven points from ten games. Paide Linnameeskond remains in second place, but they could be overtaken by Flora if they manage to secure at least a point against Nomme Kalju tomorrow.
JK Tallinna Kalev vs Paide Linnameeskond – 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Usta 62′ (Penalty Kick)
Yellow Card: Svedovski 23′, Surogin 25′, Sotsugov 36′, Talu 90+3′ | Delevic 19′, Gomis 55′
KAL: Vetkal – Palutaja, Jallow, Ernits, Sotsugov – Surogin, Famuditimi – Nigula (Mihhailov 59′), Svedovski (Purje 59′), Jurisoo (Kollo 81′) – Usta (Talu 90+3′)
PAI: Jarju – Gueye (Lilander 81′), Delevic, Baranov, Saliste – D.Luts (S.Luts 81′), Miller, Hoim (Gilmore 81′), Ojamaa – Gomis (Badamosi 67′), Saarma (Suso 58′)
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | FCI Levadia | 10 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 22 | 25 |
| 2 | FC Flora | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 16 | 23 |
| 3 | Paide | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 21 |
| 4 | Nõmme Kalju | 10 | 6 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 19 |
| 5 | Narva Trans | 11 | 6 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 19 |
| 6 | Harju JK | 11 | 4 | 1 | 6 | -8 | 13 |
| 7 | Pärnu Vaprus | 11 | 3 | 2 | 6 | -3 | 11 |
| 8 | FC Kuressaare | 10 | 3 | 0 | 7 | -10 | 9 |
| 9 | Tammeka Tartu | 11 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -18 | 7 |
| 10 | Tallinna Kalev | 11 | 2 | 1 | 8 | -25 | 7 |