Estonian champions Flora have been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League after fighting back from two goals down to earn a 2-2 draw away to Georgian champions Iberia 1999, but ultimately losing the first qualifying round tie 4-5 on aggregate.
Trailing 2-3 from the first leg in Tallinn, Konstantin Vassiljev’s side needed victory in Tbilisi to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Instead, two first-half goals from the hosts left Flora facing an uphill battle before the break.
Flora actually made the brighter start and almost stunned Iberia inside the opening minute, but Rauno Sappinen failed to convert a close-range backheel effort. The early warning went unheeded as the Georgian champions gradually took control of possession and began creating chances of their own.
Goalkeeper Evald Grünvald was called into action on several occasions before Iberia finally broke the deadlock in the 13th minute. Following a free-kick conceded after a defensive error, Nika Sikharulashvili headed home to double the hosts’ aggregate advantage.
Although Flora continued to search for an equaliser, Iberia remained the more dangerous side and doubled their lead ten minutes before half-time. Sikharulashvili struck again after another attack down the left flank, leaving the Estonian champions trailing 0-2 on the night and 2-5 overall at half-time.
The visitors’ task briefly became even harder early in the second half when Iberia thought they had added a third, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.
Flora gradually began to grow into the contest and finally found a breakthrough in the 68th minute. Substitute Rauno Alliku immediately made an impact, setting up Tony Varjund to reduce the deficit and give the visitors renewed belief.
The momentum continued to swing in Flora’s favour during the closing stages. Eight minutes from time, the Estonian champions were awarded a penalty after substitute Tristan Teeväli was brought down inside the box from a corner. Rauno Sappinen calmly converted from the spot to level the match at 2-2 and move Flora within one goal of forcing extra time.
Vassiljev’s side pushed forward relentlessly during the closing minutes and five minutes of stoppage time, with Grünvald even joining the attack for a late free-kick. However, Iberia managed to withstand the late pressure and held on to secure a 4-5 aggregate victory.
Despite the elimination, Flora at least collected a valuable coefficient point for Estonia by earning a draw in Georgia.
The Tallinn club will now continue their European campaign in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round, where they will face the losers of the tie between Azerbaijani champions Sabah and Welsh champions The New Saints.
Iberia 1999 vs Flora Tallinn – 2-2 (2-0) – 5-4 on aggregate
Goals: Sikharulashvili 13′ 36′ | Varjund 69′, Sappinen 84′ (Penalty kick)
