Nõmme United scores three goals in 15 minutes to stun Kalju in derby
Nõmme United delivered a stunning performance in the final Nõmme derby of the Estonian Premium Liiga season, cruising to a commanding 3-0 victory over local rivals Nõmme Kalju at Sportland Arena. Three goals in a devastating 15-minute first-half spell secured United’s second derby triumph of the campaign, dealing a major blow to Kalju’s European ambitions while strengthening their own hopes of avoiding relegation.
Photo: Janek Eslon Kalju entered the encounter with defensive selection problems, as regular centre-backs Maksim Podholjuzin and Uku Kõrre were both suspended. Head coach Nikita Andrejev consequently fielded an unfamiliar central defensive partnership of Tambedou and Vukušic, while Danylo Mashchenko returned to the starting line-up after recovering from an injury that had kept him sidelined since July.
Despite Kalju’s higher position in the standings, United immediately looked the more dangerous side. Kalju goalkeeper Pavlov was forced into an early save after Eric Wynalda’s side won possession in midfield and the ball eventually reached Zakaria Beglarishvili, whose effort was kept out.
United continued to exploit the spaces in Kalju’s midfield, with Läänelaid forcing another important save from Pavlov following an impressive counter-attack involving Torres and Krasnov. Beglarishvili then tested the goalkeeper again with a first-time effort after Järvelaid delivered a dangerous pass across the penalty area.
The hosts’ superiority was finally rewarded in the 23rd minute. Geiger carried the ball forward from midfield before finding Ivan Krasnov, whose clever backheel through Tambedou’s legs released Beglarishvili. The experienced attacking player found himself completely unmarked and calmly finished to give United a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Kalju struggled to respond, and their defensive problems became increasingly apparent as United repeatedly found space between midfield and defence.
The visitors’ afternoon deteriorated further in the 36th minute when Nikita Vassiljev doubled United’s advantage. Järvelaid delivered an excellent cross into the penalty area, where Vassiljev rose between two Kalju defenders and directed a header into the far corner.
Barely a minute later, United struck again. Järvelaid sent another dangerous delivery across the face of goal, which deflected off Mashchenko and rolled into his own net, completing a remarkable spell of three goals in approximately 15 minutes.
Kalju’s best opportunity of the opening half came shortly before the interval when Mihhail Orlov sent a free-kick narrowly wide, but United entered the dressing room with a thoroughly deserved 3-0 lead.
Andrejev responded with a double substitution at half-time, introducing Enrique Esono and Ibrahim Jabir in place of Mattias Männilaan and Tiago Baptista.
The changes provided Kalju with greater attacking energy, although United’s defence continued to hold firm. Esono had an effort blocked by Palts, while Jabir failed to direct a promising header towards goal.
As the second half progressed, the contest became increasingly physical. A confrontation involving Ivanov and Läänelaid near the touchline resulted in four yellow cards, including cautions for members of both coaching staffs.
Kalju continued to search for a route back into the contest but struggled to create clear opportunities. Their best chance arrived when substitute Fjodor Jekimov met a corner with a powerful header that struck the crossbar.
United goalkeeper Pürg was also called upon during the closing stages, although the home side remained largely comfortable in protecting their three-goal advantage.
United were reduced to ten men shortly before the end when substitute Tristin Ty Evans received a straight red card for a challenge on Aleksandr Nikolajev. However, Kalju were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage, and a subsequent VAR review of a possible penalty also produced no change in the referee’s decision.
The final whistle confirmed a convincing 3-0 victory for United, who completed their first league clean sheet of the season and strengthened their position in the battle to avoid relegation.
The result also has significant consequences elsewhere in the standings. United’s victory leaves bottom-placed Narva Trans facing an increasingly difficult task to avoid automatic relegation, while Kalju’s hopes of finishing among the league’s top four have suffered another setback with them still holding the fourth place, but just four points in front of Tammeka, who have one game in hand.
