Vaprus and United secure Premium Liiga survival, Kuressaare to play relegation play-off

Pärnu JK Vaprus and Nõmme United secured their places in next season’s Estonian Premium Liiga following the final round of the 2026 campaign. Vaprus recorded an emphatic 5-0 away victory over Tartu JK Tammeka, while Nõmme United earned a crucial 1-1 draw against FC Kuressaare, leaving the latter facing a two-legged relegation play-off against second-tier side Viimsi.

Vaprus entered their final match knowing that a positive result could prove decisive in their battle to avoid the relegation play-offs, and the visitors made an excellent start in Tartu.

Tristan Pajo, returning to the starting eleven after serving a suspension, opened the scoring in the eighth minute following a well-worked attacking move involving Limberg and Kapper. Vaprus doubled their advantage in the 28th minute when Marko Lipp headed home from Pajo’s corner.

The visitors added a third just before half-time when Tammeka goalkeeper Lapa parried a long-range effort from Välja, allowing Magnus Villota to react quickest and convert the rebound.

Tammeka’s hopes of mounting a comeback suffered another blow in the second half when Thomas Lisboa was sent off with his second yellow card for bringing down Viidas, who had broken forward into a dangerous position.

With a numerical advantage, Vaprus added two more goals in the closing stages. Kapper made it 4-0 following an excellent individual run and delivery from Aloe before Viidas completed the scoring to seal an emphatic victory.

The result ensured Vaprus avoided the relegation play-offs and secured another season in Estonia’s top flight.

Tartu JK Tammeka vs Pärnu JK Vaprus – 0-5 (0-3)
Goals: Pajo 8′, Lipp 28′, Mag.Villota 45′, Kapper 81′, Viidas 84′

Meanwhile, Kuressaare and Nõmme United met in a direct battle for survival, with both teams knowing the importance of avoiding defeat in the final round.

The hosts started brightly and created several early opportunities, but United goalkeeper Pürg produced important saves, including an excellent intervention to deny Demidov and another that pushed Kivi’s effort onto the post.

Despite Kuressaare’s early pressure, Nõmme United took the lead against the run of play in the eighth minute. A cross from Järvelaid caused confusion inside the penalty area, allowing Läänelaid to react quickest and score his third league goal of the season.

Kuressaare responded in the 28th minute through Jürisoo, who showed excellent determination to work his way past two defenders before finishing from close range to level the score at 1-1.

The hosts pushed for a winner throughout the second half, with Jürisoo forcing another save from Pürg and Piil narrowly missing the target with a late header. However, United defended resolutely to secure the point they needed.

The draw confirmed Nõmme United’s survival, while Kuressaare finished in the relegation play-off position. They will now face Viimsi over two legs, with their place in the 2027 Premium Liiga at stake.

FC Kuressaare vs Nõmme United – 1-1 (1-1)
Goals: Jürisoo 28′ | Läänelaid 8′