After a dramatic second-leg clash against Iberia 1999 in Tbilisi, FCI Levadia head coach Curro Torres praised his team’s resilience and mental strength as they twice came from behind away from home and secured their place in the UEFA Conference League third qualifying round thanks to a decisive goal in extra time.
“We’re through to the next round!” Torres exclaimed. “I think we gave everything and played very well against a strong team. It wasn’t easy, but the squad showed incredible mental toughness. We had to suffer together, but we showed character. I’m really happy for the players, the team, Levadia, and Estonian football. I think this is a great achievement for everyone involved!”
Levadia conceded just before halftime, but Torres made a tactical substitution during the break, bringing on his son Carlos Torres – who made an immediate impact by scoring just minutes into the second half. Was it a brilliant change? “I’m the head coach and I had to make that decision,” Torres said with a smile. “I’m very proud of him. He’s developing step by step and playing very well. As a coach, it’s incredibly valuable to have a player like him in the squad.”
Iberia scored again late in regular time to make it 2-1, leveling the aggregate score at 2–2 and sending the tie into extra time. That’s when Robert Kirss stepped up and became Levadia’s hero with the goal that secured progression. Torres agreed that his side had more energy during extra time: “We already felt good towards the end of the second half. The players believed anything was possible, and we created several chances – that momentum carried over into extra time.”
In the next round, Levadia will face Luxembourg champions Differdange 03, who eliminated Welsh side The New Saints with a 2-0 aggregate win. But before that, the Tallinn side will return to domestic action with a Premium Liiga match against Kuressaare.
“We’re traveling overnight, which isn’t ideal for recovery,” Torres admitted. “But once we arrive back in Tallinn tomorrow, we’ll rest and start preparing for Friday’s match against Kuressaare.” He added that the emotions on the journey home would certainly be “very positive.”
