Levadia Escapes Again: Hard-fought 2–1 win over Kuressaare keeps title defense on track

FCI Levadia, the reigning Estonian champions, were once again pushed to the brink by FC Kuressaare, but just like earlier this season, they managed to claw out a narrow 2–1 victory to keep their title ambitions alive.

The defensive setup saw a shake-up due to Rasmus Peetson’s injury, with Tanel Tammik and Victoy Iboro forming the preferred center-back pairing, leaving Brent Lepistu on the bench.

Kuressaare, meanwhile, were without striker Otto-Robert Lipp. Andero Kivi took the starting role up front, having shared minutes with Lipp earlier in the season. Otherwise, the lineup offered no surprises.

Historically, Levadia have dominated this fixture, winning five and drawing one of the last six league encounters. However, Kuressaare came agonizingly close to an upset earlier this year, leading 1–0 until the 80th minute before Levadia staged a late turnaround.

This encounter followed a similar script.

Early pressure from Levadia saw Ainsalu’s long-range effort deflect for a corner. From the set piece, Tammik got a clean header, which was saved, and his follow-up was blocked. But the first big chance fell to Kuressaare in the 25th minute, when Kivi pulled off a brilliant solo and set up Smirnov. The shot from the penalty spot was clean, but traffic in the box denied him.

Levadia responded three minutes later. Tambedou’s clever backheel released Agyiri inside the box, but Nõmm was quick off his line to make a clutch save.

Kuressaare thought they had taken the lead when Iljin’s free-kick dropped behind the defense and Kivi pounced, finishing coolly. Wild celebrations were cut short, however, when VAR intervened. The goal was ruled out due to Smirnov’s interference from an offside position — the debate being whether he actively blocked a defender.

Just before halftime, Kuressaare mounted serious pressure. Vallner produced a stunning reflex double save to deny Iljin and Demidov. Then, in a sequence that defied belief, Levadia squandered a point-blank chance. Larsen’s cutback found Tambedou, whose shot was saved by Nõmm. The rebound fell to Ainsalu, but his powerful effort cannoned off Prunn, who had dropped onto the goal line.

Finally, Levadia broke through in stoppage time of the first half. Ainsalu played a smart free-kick to Liivak on the right, who squared the ball across goal for Roosnupp to hammer home at the far post. Halftime: 0–1 in Levadia’s favor.

The second half started with high intensity. Just over a minute in, Musaba narrowly missed the top corner with a one-touch strike from 11 meters. Moments later, Agyiri forced Nõmm into action with a drive from the edge of the area.

Kuressaare’s persistence paid off in the 61st minute. After a sustained attack, Demidov found Iljin on the edge of the box, who unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the corner — 1–1 and fully deserved.

But Levadia answered quickly. Ainsalu’s through ball split the Kuressaare backline and sent Tambedou in behind. Though his initial effort was saved, he regained control, weaved between defenders, and slammed home the winner — his persistence paying dividends.

In the dying moments, Kuressaare pushed everything forward. With Pevtsov sidelined due to injury, even goalkeeper Nõmm ventured into the Levadia penalty area during a late long throw. But Vallner secured the ball and wisely opted not to attempt a risky counter-shot, instead preserving the lead.

For the second time this season, FCI Levadia were given all they could handle by a fearless Kuressaare side. But in the end, the champions held firm, taking all three points in another gritty showdown — two wins from two against a stubborn opponent.

FC Kuressaare vs FCI Levadia – 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Iljin 54′ | Roosnupp 45+5′, Tambedou 60′
KUR: Nomm, Saar, Kobin, Pajunurm, Prunn, Domov, Smirnov (Jermatsenko 83′), Demidov (Vahermagi 69′), Leivategija, Iljin (Pevtsov 83′), Kivi
LEV: Vallner, Liivak, Iboro, Mavretic, Tammik, Schjonning-Larsen, Agyiri (Pedro 72′), Ainsalu, Musaba (Zakarlyuka 84′), Roosnupp (Skvortsov 89′), Tambedou (Kirss 72′)

Premium Liiga Matchday 16 games:

• 13.06.2025 – Tartu JK Tammeka vs Harju JK Laagri – 2:1
• 14.06.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 0:3
• 14.06.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs FCI Levadia – 1:2
• 15.06.2025 – FC Flora vs Paide Linnameeskond – 14:30
• 15.06.2025 – Nomme Kalju FC vs JK Narva Trans – 17:00