The quarterfinal draw for the Evald Tipner Estonian Cup took place today during the official opening event of the new Estonian Premium Liiga and Women’s Meistriliiga seasons. The draw determined the final eight pairings, including one all–Premium Liiga encounter.
In the only top-flight clash of the round, reigning Estonian champions FC Flora Tallinn were drawn at home against newly promoted Nõmme United FC.
Five of the remaining eight teams come from the Premium Liiga. Last season’s cup finalists FCI Levadia and Nõmme Kalju were eliminated earlier in the competition in the round of 16, but two of the previous semifinalists remain in the draw – JK Narva Trans and JK Tallinna Kalev. Tallinna Kalev, however, will compete in Estonia’s second tier this season.
The other top-flight representatives still in contention are Pärnu JK Vaprus, Paide Linnameeskond, and Nõmme United.
Three of the quarterfinal ties will see Premium Liiga sides face opposition from the second division. Pärnu JK Vaprus will host Tartu JK Welco, Paide Linnameeskond take on Tallinna Kalev, and Narva Trans welcome Esiliiga runners-up Viimsi JK.
The winner of the Estonian Cup will secure the country’s final European qualification spot for this summer’s UEFA Conference League qualifying rounds. If Flora lift the trophy, the Conference League berth would instead pass to Paide Linnameeskond, who finished fourth in last season’s Premium Liiga.
The games are set to be played in March between the Matchday 1 and Matchday 2 of the Estonian Premium Liiga.
Evald Tipner Estonian Cup 1/4 final:
Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Tartu JK Welco
Paide Linnameeskond vs JK Tallinna Kalev
JK Narva Trans vs Viimsi JK
FC Flora Tallinn vs Nõmme United
