Nõmme Kalju began the new Premium Liiga season with a 1-0 away victory over Tartu Tammeka, spoiling the competitive debut of Tammeka’s new head coach Karel Voolaid.
The only goal of the match came in the 17th minute, when Sergei Ivanov converted a penalty after a VAR review determined that Tammeka winger Pavel Marin had handled the ball inside the penalty area while attempting to clear a cross from Mykola Musolitin.
Kalju controlled much of the match from the opening minutes, creating several early chances. Musolitin and Daniil Sõtšugov both tested the defence, while Kristjan Kask struck the crossbar during the first half as the visitors piled pressure on the hosts.
Tammeka, who included five new players in their starting lineup, struggled to create opportunities going forward. Their best effort of the first half came from Thomas Lisboa, whose long-range attempt flew well wide.
Kalju continued to dominate after the break and twice came close to extending their lead. Kask hit the post early in the second half, while goalkeeper Karl-Romet Nõmm was rarely tested at the other end.
There was another VAR check midway through the second half when Ivanov collided with Patrick Veelma in the penalty area, but the referee ultimately decided no foul had occurred.
Tammeka pushed forward in the closing minutes and delivered several balls into the penalty area, yet they were unable to create a clear chance to equalise.
In the end, Kalju’s early penalty proved decisive as they comfortably saw out the match. The visitors finished with a clear statistical advantage, recording 21 shots to Tammeka’s four and eight shots on target compared to one.
Despite the narrow scoreline, Kalju controlled the match for long stretches and opened the season with three points, while Tammeka were left searching for answers after a difficult start under their new manager.
Tartu JK Tammeka vs Nõmme Kalju – 0-1 (0-1)
Goals: Ivanov 17′ (Penalty kick)
# Team P
W D L
GF GA GD Pts
1
FC Flora1
1
0
0
3
0
3
3
2
FCI Levadia1
1
0
0
2
0
2
3
3
Pärnu Vaprus1
1
0
0
3
2
1
3
4
Harju1
1
0
0
2
1
1
3
5
Nõmme Kalju1
1
0
0
1
0
1
3
6
Paide1
0
0
1
2
3
-1
0
7
Narva Trans1
0
0
1
1
2
-1
0
8
Tartu1
0
0
1
0
1
-1
0
9
Kuressaare1
0
0
1
0
2
-2
0
10
Nõmme United1
0
0
1
0
3
-3
0
Round 1
Nõmme UnitedPaideHarjuKuressaareNõmme Kalju
