---
title: "Narva Trans relegated for the first time after 36 consecutive seasons in Estonia’s top flight"
date: 2026-10-23T19:59:15Z
lang: en
author: "Janis Vitols"
canonical: https://balticfootballnews.com/narva-trans-relegated-for-the-first-time-after-36-consecutive-seasons-in-estonias-top-flight/
categories: ["Premium liiga", "Premium liiga - match reports"]
---

# Narva Trans relegated for the first time after 36 consecutive seasons in Estonia’s top flight
**Narva Trans have been relegated from the Estonian Premium Liiga for the first time since Estonia regained independence after suffering a humiliating 1-5 defeat away against Tartu Tammeka. Despite taking an early lead, the visitors collapsed in the second half, while Tammeka’s victory moved them within just one point of fourth-placed Nõmme Kalju in the battle for European qualification.**

Entering Friday’s encounter 11 points behind ninth-placed Nõmme United with four matches remaining, Narva knew that only a victory would keep their survival hopes alive. Even that would not be enough if United defeated Pärnu Vaprus in the evening’s other fixture.

Despite their difficult position, Trans started positively and took the lead in the 20th minute. Following a long throw-in from the right flank, Gero turned away from Tammeka defender Kangaslahti inside the penalty area before producing an excellent finish into the top corner.

The visitors continued to look dangerous on the counterattack, with Nikita Baljabkin delivering a low ball across the face of goal in the 32nd minute, narrowly missing Gero at the far post.

However, Tammeka gradually took control and equalised in the 36th minute. Amijekori tested Narva goalkeeper Venteo with an effort from approximately 18 metres, but the goalkeeper failed to hold the ball. Moussa Sambe reacted quickest to the rebound and fired home from close range.

Sambe remained a constant threat during the closing stages of the first half, forcing Venteo into two further saves as the teams entered the interval level at 1-1.

The hosts emerged with greater intensity after the break and completed the turnaround just four minutes into the second half. Pedro Lisboa delivered an excellent pass to Marin, who finished in the 49th minute to put Tammeka ahead for the first time.

Narva attempted to respond, introducing fresh attacking options and enjoying periods of pressure, but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against the Tammeka defence. The match took another dramatic turn in the closing stages when Tammeka midfielder Pedmanson was shown a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge on Agaptšev.

Despite being reduced to ten men, Tammeka went on to score three more goals. In the 88th minute, Sambe broke behind the Narva defence and delivered a perfectly weighted pass across the penalty area for substitute Silov, who finished into an almost empty net to make it 3-1.

Three minutes later, Sambe added his second goal of the evening, converting from close range to extend Tammeka’s advantage. The hosts completed the rout in the eighth minute of stoppage time when Pedro Manoel finished off another attack, with Sambe once again providing the assist. His effort struck the post before crossing the line, sealing an emphatic 5-1 victory.

The defeat officially confirmed Narva Trans’ relegation from the Estonian top flight, bringing an end to their uninterrupted presence in the division since the restoration of Estonia’s independence.

For Tammeka, the victory significantly strengthened their hopes of securing European qualification. The Tartu club now sit just one point behind fourth-placed Nõmme Kalju, although Kalju have a game in hand and are scheduled to face Flora Tallinn on Sunday.

**Tartu JK Tammeka vs JK Narva Trans – 5-1 (1-1)**  
**Goals:** Sambe 36′ 90+1′, Marin 49′, Silov 88′, Pedro Manuel 90+7′ | Gero 20′