Paide strike late in Tallinn as title race slips from Levadia’s hands

In the central fixture of Matchday 33 of the Estonian Premium Liiga, Paide Linnameeskond celebrated a dramatic 2-1 victory over FCI Levadia Tallinn at A. Le Coq Arena.

For Levadia, only a win would do. With Flora Tallinn having done their job the day before against JK Narva Trans, Levadia needed three points to restore parity at the top of the table. A draw or defeat would mean they would have to hope for two Flora slip-ups in the final three rounds – as Flora hold the head-to-head advantage between the sides.

And the nightmare scenario unfolded right in front of their home supporters – despite a promising start.

Levadia took the lead on the stroke of halftime, when Wendell converted from Mark Roosnupp’s assist in the 45th minute. Yet just a minute later, Paide struck back – Luqman Gilmore unleashed a powerful drive from 25 meters that flew into the top corner past Karl Andre Vallner, leveling the match at 1-1.

The decisive moment came in the 78th minute. Henri Anier hammered home the winner to complete the turnaround and silence the home crowd. With Levadia trying to turn it around in the last minute Paide held strong and came out with a huge victory away from home.

After 33 matches, Levadia remain second with 72 points, three behind leaders Flora, who also have the superior head-to-head record. Meanwhile, Paide, chasing the bronze medal and a potential European spot, stay right behind Nõmme Kalju with 65 points, just two fewer than their rivals.

In the next round, Levadia will travel to face Pärnu Vaprus, while Paide Linnameeskond host FC Flora Tallinn in what promises to be another key battle in both the title and medal races.

FCI Levadia vs Paide Linnameeskond – 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: Wendell 45′ | Gilmore 45+1′, Anier 78′

Premium Liiga Matchday 33:

• 21.10.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs JK Narva Trans – 4:0
• 21.10.2025 – Pärnu JK Vaprus vs FC Kuressaare – 0:1
• 22.10.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Nomme Kalju FC – 0:2
• 22.10.2025 – Harju JK Laagri vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 2:2
• 22.10.2025 – FCI Levadia Tallinn vs Paide Linnameeskond – 1:2