JK Narva Trans produced a big surprise in the opening match of the Estonian Cup round of 16 on Wednesday evening, defeating Premium Liiga title contenders Nõmme Kalju 2-0 at home to book their place in the quarter-finals for the third consecutive season.
Despite suffering a surprise league defeat to Harju four days earlier, Kalju entered the tie as clear favourites. The Tallinn side had won all three meetings against bottom-placed Narva Trans this season, including a victory in Narva earlier this month.
However, it was the hosts who seized control in the 20th minute. Murad Velijev found the back of the net to hand Narva a deserved lead after the home side had grown into the match following Kalju’s brighter opening.
Narva nearly doubled their advantage later in the first half after capitalising on a defensive mistake by the visitors, but failed to take the opportunity. They made amends almost immediately afterwards. Tomas Berardozzi collected the ball on the left flank and appeared to be attempting a cross into the penalty area, only for his delivery to catch goalkeeper Maksim Pavlov completely off guard and fly into the far corner, giving Trans a commanding 2-0 lead before the break.
Kalju never found a way back into the contest. The visitors struggled to create meaningful chances throughout the second half and rarely troubled Narva goalkeeper Iker Venteo, who kept his first clean sheet for the club in only his second appearance since arriving in Estonia.
The only positive for Kalju came with the return of striker Mattias Männilaan. The 24-year-old made his comeback after missing more than two months through injury, having last featured on 14 June. However, even with the team’s joint-leading league goalscorer back in action, Kalju lacked the cutting edge required to mount a comeback.
The victory sees Narva Trans, despite sitting bottom of the Premium Liiga and facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation, reach the Estonian Cup quarter-finals for the third straight season. For Kalju, meanwhile, it marks a second consecutive round-of-16 exit after lifting the trophy in 2025. Last season, their cup campaign also ended in disappointing fashion with a defeat to second-tier side Viimsi.
Both teams now turn their focus back to the Premium Liiga this weekend. Kalju face league leaders Levadia in a crucial top-of-the-table clash on Sunday, while Narva Trans will host Tartu Tammeka as they continue their fight to climb out of the relegation zone.
JK Narva Trans vs Nõmme Kalju – 2-0 (2-0)
Goals: Velijev 20′, Berardozzi 40′
