Flora take control of Tallinn derby and Premium Liiga title race

The long-awaited Tallinn derby in Estonia’s Premium Liiga did not disappoint, as FC Flora Tallinn extended their winning streak with a 3-1 triumph over city rivals FCI Levadia. It was the second time this season that Flora defeated their closest title challengers, with Danil Kuraksin once again the star of the show. The in-form winger continued his hot streak, netting his fourth and fifth goals in his last four matches to seal the victory.

Both sides entered the clash level on points after 26 rounds, with 60 each, but Flora held the head-to-head advantage thanks to a win and a draw earlier this season. That superiority now looks decisive, as they’ve pulled three points clear at the top of the table.

Levadia named a predictable lineup compared to their recent 2-2 draw with Tammeka, with Richie Musaba starting in place of Carlos Torres. Flora, however, sprang a surprise: summer signing Vladislav Kreida was named in the starting XI for the first time, having only appeared twice from the bench previously.

The match at A. Le Coq Arena burst into life within the first minute. Tõugjas carried the ball forward and found Kuraksin, who wrong-footed Brent Lepistu before firing low into the corner for a dream start: 1-0 to Flora inside 59 seconds.

Levadia responded strongly, forcing corners and testing Kivila with long-range efforts, but Flora’s keeper held firm. Their pressure continued, yet the equalizer would not come.

Instead, Flora doubled their lead in the 28th minute. A scrappy corner situation saw the ball fall kindly to Kuraksin inside the box, and he made no mistake from close range. The attackers second goal left Levadia with a mountain to climb.

The visitors did not fold. João Pedro cut inside from the wing and curled a superb shot into the far corner to pull one back before halftime, bringing Levadia right back into the contest.

Head coach Curro Torres made a triple substitution at the break, introducing Wendell, Torres, and Ernest Agyiri in search of more attacking spark. Flora also made a change, as veteran Rauno Alliku replaced 16-year-old Kaare.

The second half began with Levadia pushing hard. João Pedro and Wendell both had chances, but Kivila stood tall again. Flora, however, struck the decisive blow in the 69th minute when Sappinen was brought down in the box by Iboro, and Tõugjas calmly slotted home the penalty to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1.

Levadia’s frustrations grew. Iboro, already booked for the penalty incident, committed another foul and was shown a second yellow card, reducing his side to ten men. Despite Torres’ team continuing to press, the breakthrough never came. Sappinen nearly added a fourth late on, but fired narrowly wide.

In the end, Flora held firm to claim a vital 3-1 derby victory, moving three points clear at the summit of the Premium Liiga table. For Levadia, who had led much of the season, the defeat is a bitter blow and leaves them with work to do if they are to reignite their title charge.

FCI Levadia vs FC Flora Tallinn – 1:3 (1:2)
Goals: Joao Pedro 43′ | Kuraksin 1′ 26′, Tõugjas 68′ (Penalty kick)

Premium Liiga Matchday 28 results:

• 16.09.2025 – Tartu JK Tammeka vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 1:4
• 17.09.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs Nomme Kalju FC – 0:0
• 17.09.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs FC Kuressaare – 2:1
• 17.09.2025 – FCI Levadia vs FC Flora Tallinn – 1:3
• 17.09.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Paide Linnameeskond – 19:30