Flora clinch Tallinn derby to seize top spot in Premium Liiga

FC Flora emerged victorious in a fierce Tallinn derby, edging past bitter rivals FCI Levadia with a 1–0 win in Matchday 13 of the Estonian Premium Liiga. The result not only hands city bragging rights to Flora, but also lifts them above Levadia to the top of the table.

The match began at a blistering pace. Within seconds of kick-off, Levadia’s Musaba tested the waters with a sharp effort just wide of the post, signaling their intent. But it was Rauno Sappinen who stunned Levadia with the opener — and ultimately the winner. Seizing upon a misplaced clearance after Tristan Teeväli’s through ball, Sappinen rounded stand-in keeper Oliver Ani and calmly slotted into an empty net.

Levadia, looking for a quick reply, earned a penalty after Grünvald mistimed a challenge on Otoo inside the box. But justice was poetic: Grünvald guessed correctly, diving low to his right to deny Otoo’s attempt and preserve Flora’s lead — a moment that would prove decisive.

Despite several threatening moments — including a powerful drive from Gero in the 54th minute, brilliantly saved again by Grünvald — Levadia could not find a way through. Tensions flared as Levadia’s coach Curro Torres picked up his fourth yellow card of the season, meaning he’ll watch the next game from the stands.

Flora, meanwhile, defended with discipline and clarity, putting on a masterclass in box defending. Mark Roosnupp came agonizingly close to leveling for Levadia, but Kristo Hussar’s heroic intervention on the line denied a certain goal.

As the final whistle approached, Flora’s goalkeeper Evert Grünvald stood tall, commanding his area with the authority of a seasoned veteran. His late-game saves and confident handling helped Flora weather a storm of late corners and crosses. Just like in the previous encounter between these two sides, Grünvald’s man-of-the-match performance proved the difference.

In front of 1,697 fans, the 106th Tallinn derby once again delivered drama and high stakes. While not a definitive moment in the title race, this result sends a clear signal: Flora are back in business, while Levadia face tough questions about their finishing and late-game composure.

FC Flora Tallinn vs FCI Levadia – 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Sappinen 4′
FLO: Grunvald, Hussar, Tougjas, Kolobov, Tovstik (Lukka 46′), Mihhailov, Teevali, Alliku (Kaares 89′), Poom, Kuraksin (Zenjov 68′), Sappinen
FLO: Ani, Tur, Peetson, Mavretic (Kirss 86′), Lepistu, Schjonning-Larsen, Agyiri (Pedro 65′), Ainsalu, Musaba (Roosnupp 80′), Otoo, Gero (Tambedou 65′)

Premium Liiga Matchday 13 results:

• 17.05.2025 – Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 2:1
• 17.05.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs Harju JK Laagri – 2:2
• 18.05.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs FCI Levadia – 1:0
• 18.05.2025 – Nomme Kalju FC vs FC Kuressaare – 19:00
• 19.05.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs JK Narva Trans – 19:00