FC Flora moved to within touching distance of their 16th Estonian league title, but their 2-0 victory over FC Kuressaare at A. Le Coq Arena was anything but straightforward – and owed much to the help of the goalposts.
Flora started the match rather shakily, and despite gradually increasing their pressure, Kuressaare goalkeeper Karl-Romet Nõmm went untested for the opening half hour. The breakthrough finally came in the 35th minute, when Rauno Sappinen redirected a long-range effort from Tristan Teeväli toward goal. Nõmm managed a fine initial save, but Sappinen pounced on the rebound to slot home – 1-0!
The second half began with a scare for the league leaders. Within seconds, Oscar Pihela swung in a cross to the far post, where Märten Pajunurm smashed the ball against the upright! Just moments later, in the 49th minute, Kuressaare threatened again as Pihela met Matvei Jekimov’s cross with a header – only for Kaur Kivila to react sharply and smother the ball.
Flora created several half-chances to extend their lead, but they never looked completely in control, and the danger of an equalizer loomed throughout. In the 77th minute, they survived another close call when Artjom Jermatšenko, played in by Gleb Pevtsov, struck the crossbar from 14 meters out.
The victory was finally sealed only in the 90th minute. Nõmm saved Sander Alamaa’s initial effort, but Sander Tovstik followed up from a tight angle – his shot bounced off the bar and just over the line to make it 2-0.
With the win, Flora stand just one step away from clinching their 16th championship. If Levadia fail to beat JK Narva Trans tomorrow, Flora will be crowned champions already this weekend. Otherwise, the title race will go to the final matchday next Saturday, when Flora finish their season away to Pärnu JK Vaprus.
FC Flora Tallinn vs FC Kuressaare – 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Sappinen 35′, Tovstik 90′
Premium Liiga Matchday 35:
- 01.11.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs FC Kuressaare – 2:0
- 02.11.2025 – Nomme Kalju vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 12:30
- 02.11.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 12:30
- 02.11.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs FCI Levadia Tallinn – 14:00
- 02.11.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs JK Tallinna Kalev – 17:00
| # | Club | GP | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| 1 | FC Flora | 36 | 26 | 4 | 6 | 53 | 82 |
| 2 | FCI Levadia | 36 | 25 | 4 | 7 | 55 | 79 |
| 3 | Nõmme Kalju | 36 | 23 | 5 | 8 | 32 | 74 |
| 4 | Paide | 36 | 21 | 7 | 8 | 31 | 70 |
| 5 | Narva Trans | 36 | 15 | 6 | 15 | -1 | 51 |
| 6 | Pärnu Vaprus | 36 | 14 | 7 | 15 | 3 | 49 |
| 7 | Harju JK | 36 | 10 | 6 | 20 | -21 | 36 |
| 8 | Tammeka Tartu | 36 | 9 | 3 | 24 | -36 | 30 |
| 9 | FC Kuressaare | 36 | 8 | 4 | 24 | -35 | 28 |
| 10 | Tallinna Kalev | 36 | 5 | 2 | 29 | -81 | 17 |
