Tammeka shock champions Flora as crisis deepens in Tallinn

In one of the biggest surprises of the Estonian Premium Liiga season so far, Tartu JK Tammeka defeated reigning champions FC Flora Tallinn 3-1 at home, handing the title holders their third loss in just four league matches.

The result marks a dramatic contrast to last season, when the Konstantin Vassiljev-led side lost only six matches across the entire league campaign on their way to the title. Now, just four rounds into the new season, they have already suffered half that number.

Despite enjoying more possession and looking the more active side statistically, Flora once again lacked sharpness in the final third – something that proved decisive against a clinical Tammeka side.

The first half ended goalless, with Flora creating the better chances but repeatedly failing to convert. Rauno Sappinen was lively but caught offside on multiple occasions, while Tammeka showed glimpses of danger on the counter without finding the final touch.

The match burst into life early in the second half. Flora came close through several attempts, including a strike that rattled the crossbar, but it was Tammeka who struck first in the 59th minute. A well-delivered ball into the box caused problems for the Flora defence, and Tristan Koskor forced the ball over the line after an initial save, giving the hosts a crucial lead for his 4th goal of the season.

Tammeka doubled their advantage in the 68th minute. Following a set-piece situation, the ball dropped loose inside the penalty area, and Pedro Manoel reacted quickest to finish from close range, leaving Flora stunned.

The visitors managed to pull one back in the 72nd minute when Ilja Antonov converted from close range after good work down the right flank, briefly giving hope of a comeback.

However, that hope was extinguished late on. In the 86th minute, after a quick attacking move initiated by Kauan Pereira, the ball found Pavel Marin near the penalty spot, and he clinically fired into the top corner to seal a famous 3-1 victory.

For Flora, the concerns continue to grow. A team that looked dominant just months ago now finds itself struggling for form, consistency, and confidence at the start of the new campaign. Meanwhile, Tammeka secured their first win over Flora since July 2024.

Tartu JK Tammeka vs FC Flora Tallinn – 3-1 (0-0)
Goals: Koskor 59′, Pedro Manoel 68′, Marin 86′ | Antonov 72′

#	Team	P	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Pts
1	FCI Levadia	32	25	6	1	87	22	65	81
2	FC Flora	33	19	1	13	63	47	16	58
3	Paide	32	17	6	9	52	39	13	57
4	Nõmme Kalju	32	15	6	11	54	33	21	51
5	Tammeka	32	15	2	15	42	51	-9	47
6	Harju	33	15	2	16	48	48	0	47
7	Pärnu Vaprus	32	10	6	16	43	63	-20	36
8	Kuressaare	32	10	5	17	34	51	-17	35
9	Nõmme United	32	10	1	21	50	74	-24	31
10	Narva Trans	32	5	5	22	25	70	-45	20