The Estonian football season begins today, as Tallinna FC Flora and Nõmme Kalju FC meet in the A. Le Coq Super Cup final at Paide Football Hall (kick-off 17:00 local time). The clash brings together the reigning Premium Liiga champions and the Estonian Cup holders in the first trophy match of 2026.
Flora secured their 16th league title last season, finishing three points ahead of FCI Levadia in a tight title race. Kalju earned their place in the Super Cup by lifting the Estonian Cup after a dramatic final against Levadia, winning on penalties following a 3-3 draw after extra time.
Flora head coach Konstantin Vassiljev believes his team has completed its preseason work but acknowledges that real answers come once competitive matches begin. Despite a 0-3 defeat to Latvian champions Riga FC in the Livonia Cup earlier this week, he remains optimistic.
“As the game went on, the difference in class became visible, but there were also positives we can carry into our domestic matches,” Vassiljev said. Reflecting on last season’s encounters with Kalju, he added: “The matches were very similar – sometimes we won, sometimes they did. I expect this to be worthy of a Super Cup final.”
Flora striker Rauno Sappinen emphasized mentality over tactics. “It’s not so much about football nuances – it’s about who wants it more,” he said, suggesting hunger and focus will determine the outcome.
Kalju assistant coach Artjom Artjunin confirmed their preparations included two winter training camps to refresh the squad after months of indoor training. “We did everything that was planned. We are more mature now and ready,” he stated.
While Kalju’s midfielder Rommi Siht pointed to squad continuity as a key strength. “We know what to expect from each other. If we continue from where we finished last season, we are very strong,” he said, adding that recent matches against Flora have often been decided by small details.
Historically, Flora hold the edge in the Super Cup, winning the trophy 12 times – most recently in 2024. Kalju’s only triumph came in 2019, last season Kalju lost in the final to FCI Levadia 2-3. The two sides have met once before in a Super Cup final, with Flora winning 3-0 in 2016.
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Source: https://jalgpall.ee/voistlused/uudised/a-le-coq-superkarika-finalistid-lubavad-finaalivaarilist-lahingut-n25700?siteacc=events
