Vaprus edges out Tammeka in thrilling Premium Liiga Matchday 13 opener

The 13th round of Estonia’s Premium Liiga kicked off in style as Pärnu JK Vaprus hosted Tartu JK Tammeka in a tightly contested match inside the Pärnu Rannastaadion that ended 2–1 in favor of the home side.

Their last encounter in March ended in a stunning 5–0 blowout by Vaprus in Tartu, featuring a brace from Virgo Vallik and a goal-plus-assist by Henri Välja. But coming into this latest clash, both teams were sitting side-by-side in the table—Vaprus in 8th, Tammeka in 9th, separated by just four points. The stakes were high: bragging rights, momentum, and mid-table security.

Vaprus nearly took the lead early. In the 5th minute, Kevin Aloe lofted a ball over the Vaprus defense, finding Marten-Chris Paalberg, whose close-range header was met by a superb reaction save from Tammeka goalkeeper Richard Aland.

The match heated up with a moment of controversy as a potential penalty for Tammeka was reviewed and waved off. On the very next phase of play, Sander Kapper struck gold. In the 40th minute, a poorly cleared corner fell to him outside the area, and he smashed a one-touch volley into the top corner. A stunning strike gave Vaprus the lead before the break.

The second half had barely begun when Vaprus doubled their lead. Just 40 seconds in, Kapper’s cross landed at the feet of Kevin Aloe, who seemed to go for goal but unintentionally set up Paalberg. The forward reacted quickly and knocked the ball past Aland for 2–0.

Vaprus then had a golden chance to seal it from the spot. Kristjan Pajo was fouled by David Epton inside the box, earning Vaprus a penalty. Up stepped Henri Välja, one of the stars of their March demolition—but Aland guessed correctly, diving to deny Välja and keep Tammeka alive.

Tammeka rallied. In the 70th minute, Patrick Genro Veelma danced around a defender outside the area and forced a tough save from Karl Andre Nõmm. The rebound landed kindly for Robin Mathias Müür, who calmly buried his first-ever Premium Liiga goal to make it 2–1. Despite a few late pushes and a sharp effort from Epton, Vaprus defended solidly and held on for a valuable win.

This win sees Vaprus extend their gap over Tammeka to seven points, reinforcing their upper hand in this season’s head-to-head. The Pärnu side showed composure under pressure and capitalized on key moments, while Richard Aland’s heroics in goal were not enough to salvage a result for the visitors.

Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Kapper 40′, Paalberg 46′ | Müür 70′
PAR: Nomm, Villota, Seppik, Aloe, Sild, Valja (Lipp 88′), Pajo, Limberg, Kapper (Aer 88′), Kauber (Madissoo 80′), Paalberg (Vallik 84′)
TAM: Aland, Sepp (Koskor 46′), Miil, Epton, Karis, Pedmanson, Veelma, Lang (Kiidron 85′), Uggeri (Gvineria 68′), Tanimowo (Müür 68′), Adebayo

Premium Liiga Matchday 13 results:

• 17.05.2025 – Pärnu JK Vaprus vs Tartu JK Tammeka – 2:1
• 17.05.2025 – Paide Linnameeskond vs Harju JK Laagri – 17:00
• 18.05.2025 – FC Flora Tallinn vs FCI Levadia – 14:30
• 18.05.2025 – Nomme Kalju FC vs FC Kuressaare – 19:00
• 19.05.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs JK Narva Trans – 19:00