Vaprus ends 17-Year drought with dominant win over Kalev

Pärnu Vaprus picked up a crucial away win in Round 16 of the Estonian Premium Liiga, dispatching Tallinna Kalev 3–0 at Kadriorg Stadium. It was a historic result for Vaprus, marking their first away victory over Kalev since 2008.

Kalev came into the game riding a five-match losing streak in league play, but there was hope in the air—recent history had shown that Vaprus struggled in Tallinn. That belief was shattered early.

The opening goal came with authority, and no surprise—it was 16-year-old sensation Marten-Chris Paalberg who found the net. Ernits played a weak pass toward Kajari, which Paalberg intercepted with sharp anticipation. He drove toward the penalty area and buried a low shot past Liiker for his third goal of the season.

The teenager is on fire—this was his second straight league game with a goal. Prior to the international break, he scored against Kuressaare, and earlier this June, he struck three times for Estonia’s U18 side against Montenegro and Latvia.

Paalberg nearly added a second after stealing the ball from Kajari, weaving between defenders, and facing the keeper one-on-one. Just as he pulled the trigger, Kajari recovered with a vital block. The resulting corner came to nothing, but the threat was clear.

Kalev responded with danger of their own. A brilliant first-time volley from Smirnov off Sõtšugov’s cross looked destined for the top corner, only for Nõmm to tip it onto the post with an outstanding save.

Again, Paalberg and Vaprus came close. Veensalu teed up Sild on the wing, who whipped in a low cross toward Paalberg. The forward met it but fired over the bar.

Right after Kalev’s Smirnov’s shot rattled the post, then came the punishment as Vaprus launched a counter. Veensalu sprinted down the right and found Pajo unmarked just outside the six-yard box. The midfielder calmly slotted home, giving the visitors a 2–0 lead in the 41st minute.

Laasner had a chance to pull one back with a high-arching free kick into the box, but Nõmm claimed it effortlessly. Seconds later, the halftime whistle blew. It was a half filled with chances on both ends, but Vaprus made theirs count, while Kalev hit the post twice.

Vaprus returned from the break with hunger—and got their reward. Kapper stole the show with a brilliant solo effort. After Madissoo muscled Smirnov off the ball, Kapper charged forward with space, unleashing a low shot from outside the area that beat Liiker for Vaprus’s third.

And that was all she wrote. After a 17-year wait, Vaprus finally defeated Kalev away from home. While the first half was relatively even, Vaprus took full control in the second, with their third goal sealing the hosts’ fate.

Kalev’s misery continued with a sixth straight league defeat. Vaprus, on the other hand, secured back-to-back wins and extended their unbeaten run to four games—boosted by the unstoppable rise of Paalberg and a side that’s starting to believe.

JK Tallinna Kalev vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 0:3 (0:2)
Goals: Paalberg 3′, Pajo 41′, Kapper 69′
KAL: Liiker, Palutaja, Ernits (Jallow 46′), Kajari (Ilves 70′), Sotsugov, Famuditimi, Smirnov, Švedovski (Surogin 81′), Laasner (Talu 70′), Jurisoo (Nigula 70′), Usta
PAR: Nomm, Mag. Villota, Lipp, Aloe, Sild, Madissoo (Limberg 74′), Valja, Pajo, Veensalu (Mat.Villota 74′), Kapper (Poder 85′), Paalberg (Vallik 90′)

Premium Liiga Matchday 16 games:

• 13.06.2025 – Tartu JK Tammeka vs Harju JK Laagri – 2:1
• 14.06.2025 – JK Tallinna Kalev vs Parnu JK Vaprus – 0:3
• 14.06.2025 – FC Kuressaare vs FCI Levadia – 1:2
• 15.06.2025 – FC Flora vs Paide Linnameeskond – 14:30
• 15.06.2025 – Nomme Kalju FC vs JK Narva Trans – 17:00