Estonian champions FCI Levadia extended their winning streak to six matches with a dominant 3–0 away victory over Paide Linnameeskond in the opening match of the 19th round of the Premium Liiga.
Heading into the match, this was a meeting of the two in-form sides in the league. Since the arrival of new head coach Vladimir Vassiljev, Paide had won five of their last six matches. Levadia, however, boasted an even stronger record: five wins and a draw over the same stretch.
Paide’s starting XI featured no surprises, aside from the decision to start Lilander. For Levadia, captain Rasmus Peetson returned from injury. Key attacker Frank Liivak started on the bench, while Ernest Agyiri lined up on the right wing, with João Pedro just behind striker Musaba.
Teams also handed bench spots to their newest additions — 18-year-old Gambian midfielder Pa Abdou Cham for Paide and managers Curro Torres son Carlos for Levadia.
With the season series tied at one a piece (each team winning at home), all signs pointed to a close contest. However, what followed was anything but.
Levadia looked threatening early and finally broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute. A misplaced pass from Ojamaa was picked up by Mark Oliver Roosnupp. Roosnupp slipped a perfectly weighted through-ball to Dutch forward Richie Musaba, who coolly slotted past Jarju for 1–0.
Levadia doubled their lead just before halftime in dramatic fashion. João Pedro struck the crossbar from close range, but the rebound fell to Roosnupp, who headed it on to Michael Schjonning-Larsen. From the edge of the box, Larsen rifled the ball past Jarju to make it 2–0.
Paide attempted to seize control after the break but failed to create danger. Levadia remained compact and lethal on the counter.
In the 56th minute, another quick transition tore through Paide’s back line. Musaba again used his blistering pace to get in behind, squaring the ball unselfishly to João Pedro, who tapped in for 3–0. That goal effectively ended the contest.
João Pedro and Agyiri were subbed off in the 85th minute to rest for European duties, with debutant Carlos Torres entering the pitch. Moments later, he was shown a yellow card for simulation — a harsh but perhaps memorable welcome to top-flight football.
Paide had their most dangerous moment in stoppage time, with Delević and Luts both getting shots off from close range, but neither could beat the crowded Levadia defense. A potential goal was chalked off as Miller’s finish was ruled out for a clear offside.
Levadia’s assertive 3–0 win sends a strong message to RFS ahead of their Champions League qualifier. The first leg game inside A Le Coq Arena will take place next Tuesday.
Paide Linnameeskond vs FCI Levadia – 0:3 (0:2)
Goals: Musaba 23′, Schjonning-Larsen 45+3′, Joao Pedro 59′
PAI: Jarju, Lilander (Juhkam 60′), Baranov (Gueye 60′), Delevic, Saliste, Miller, Hoim, Luts, Ojamaa, Saarma, Reinkort (Corr 70′)
LEV: Vallner, Peetson, Iboro, Ainsalu, Tammik, Schjonning-Larsen (Jarvelaid 73′), Tur, Agyiri (Torres 85′), Joao Pedro (Bah 85′), Roosnupp (Zakarlyuka 73′), Musaba (Kirss 78′)
Premium Liiga Matchday 19:
- 04.07.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs FCI Levadia – 0:3
- 05.07.2025 – JK Narva Trans vs FC Kuressaare – 17:00
- 06.07.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 17:00
- 06.07.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs Nomme Kalju FC – 21:30
- 25.07.2025 – Parnu JK Vaprus vs Harju JK Laagri – 19:00
| # | 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 |
