In Premium Liiga Matchday 6, Nõmme Kalju came from behind to preserve their unbeaten start to the season with a 1-1 draw against Levadia Tallinn in the headline clash, while Paide Linnameeskond comfortably secured a 4-1 away win over Tartu JK Tammeka.
At Hiiu, the clash between two title contenders was tense, tactical and at times scrappy, with both sides clearly aware of what was at stake. The opening stages were cautious, with neither team willing to overcommit. Levadia controlled more possession early on and looked slightly sharper in midfield, but Kalju’s defensive structure held firm, limiting the visitors to half-chances.
The best opportunity of the first half came from Levadia, when a dangerous delivery into the box eventually fell to Robert Kirss, who bundled the ball into the net. However, celebrations were cut short after a VAR review spotted a foul in the buildup, keeping the score level at the break. Despite Levadia’s territorial advantage, Kalju showed glimpses of threat through quick transitions, with Bogdan Vaštšuk’s composure and vision standing out in midfield.
The game opened up after halftime. In the 50th minute, Kalju were punished for a costly mistake near their own penalty area. Bubacarr Tambedou reacted quickest to a loose ball and produced a superb finish, curling it into the top corner and leaving Henri Perk with no chance. It was a moment of real quality in a game that had largely been defined by discipline and structure.
Kalju were forced to respond, and gradually began to take more initiative. The intensity increased, challenges became stronger, and the match turned more physical. Their pressure paid off in the 69th minute when they won a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the box. Mattias Männilaan stepped up and confidently fired the ball into the bottom corner, sending Karl Andre Vallner the wrong way to make it 1-1.
From there, the match became more open, with both sides sensing an opportunity. Levadia pushed forward through the flanks, creating dangerous moments – including a big chance for Mark Oliver Roosnupp that was denied by a sharp save from Perk. Kalju, meanwhile, looked to exploit spaces in transition, but their final decision-making let them down in key moments.
The closing stages were intense, with several fouls, bookings, and heated duels across the pitch. Despite Levadia finishing with more possession and attempts, Kalju’s resilience once again stood out, as they absorbed pressure and held on for a point. On balance, a draw was a fair outcome in a tightly contested battle between two sides firmly in the title race.
In Tartu, Paide Linnameeskond did most of their work early, scoring three first-half goals to take full control of the match against Tammeka. Sohna struck twice – including a stunning free-kick and a fortunate long-range effort – before Nigula added a third before halftime. Paide remained in control after the break, with Smirnov adding a fourth late on, while Tammeka managed a late consolation through Pedro Manoel to make it 4-1.
Nõmme Kalju vs FCI Levadia 1-1 (0-0)
Goals: Männilaan 69′ (Penalty kick) | Tambedou 50′
Tartu JK Tammeka vs Paide Linnameeskond 1-4 (0-3)
Goals: Pedro Manoel 86′ | Sohna 22′ 36′, Nigula 43′, Smirnov 80′
| # | Team | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Nõmme Kalju |
6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 2 | 9 | 16 |
| 2 |  Paide |
6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 13 | 7 | 6 | 13 |
| 3 |  FCI Levadia |
6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 6 | 5 | 12 |
| 4 |  Harju |
6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 9 |
| 5 |  FC Flora |
6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 9 |
| 6 |  Nõmme United |
6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 16 | 12 | 4 | 7 |
| 7 |  Narva Trans |
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 6 |
| 8 |  Kuressaare |
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 13 | -6 | 6 |
| 9 |  Tammeka |
6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 14 | -5 | 6 |
| 10 |  Pärnu Vaprus |
6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 6 | 17 | -11 | 3 |
