Viidas brace not enough for Vaprus as Kalju rescue a point in Pärnu

Both teams returned to action just three days after their previous league fixtures, with Vaprus having drawn 2-2 against Narva Trans and Kalju suffering a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Harju JK Laagri. The visitors entered the contest looking to strengthen their position in the battle for European qualification, while Vaprus were hoping to move closer to securing their Premium Liiga status.

Despite Kalju starting as favourites, Vaprus had already won two of the teams’ three previous meetings this season. The hosts were forced into a late change before kick-off, with Siim Aer replacing Kevin Aloe at left-back after the latter reportedly suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up.

Kalju made the brighter start, dominating possession in the opening minutes. Männilaan delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal in the third minute, with Vaprus defender Sild narrowly avoiding an own goal.

However, the hosts gradually took control and began creating the better opportunities. In the 13th minute, Pajo forced Kalju goalkeeper Pavlov into an excellent one-handed save, directing a shot from approximately 14 metres towards the bottom corner.

Their pressure was eventually rewarded in the 33rd minute when Viidas produced an excellent individual goal. After receiving a switch of play from Sander Kapper, the winger cut inside from the left flank and curled a precise effort into the far corner, leaving Pavlov beaten and giving Vaprus a deserved 1-0 advantage.

Kalju struggled to respond before the interval, despite enjoying more possession towards the end of the half. Vaprus went into the break with a deserved lead, having registered six attempts compared with Kalju’s two, while the visitors had failed to produce a single shot on target.

Kalju made two changes at half-time, introducing Tiago Baptista and Mihhail Orlov in place of Ibrahim Jabir and Kõrre. The substitutions immediately gave the visitors greater attacking urgency.

Just minutes after the restart, Orlov went down inside the penalty area following a challenge involving Välja. After a lengthy VAR review, the referee was sent to the pitchside monitor and awarded Kalju a penalty.

Männilaan stepped up and confidently converted, sending goalkeeper Ott Nõmm the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1.

The contest became increasingly open, with both teams creating opportunities. Orlov sent an effort wide from outside the penalty area, while Ivanov twice threatened the Vaprus goal, forcing Nõmm into a save with his second attempt.

Vaprus regained the lead in the 72nd minute through another excellent finish from Viidas. Mathias Villota produced a superb through ball while falling to the ground, releasing the winger behind Kalju’s defence. Viidas raced through one-on-one with Pavlov and guided his finish into the net off the post to complete his brace and restore the hosts’ advantage at 2-1.

Kalju responded by committing more players forward, introducing Esono to strengthen their attack. Vaprus, meanwhile, replaced both goalscorer Viidas and Kapper as they attempted to protect their narrow lead.

However, the visitors’ persistence was rewarded in the 87th minute. Orlov delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area, finding Equatorial Guinea international Esono in space near the six-yard box. The substitute made no mistake from approximately seven metres, firing past Nõmm to equalise at 2-2.

Kalju continued to push for a winner during five minutes of added time, with Baptista heading wide from a promising position following another Orlov delivery.

Despite the late pressure, Vaprus held on to secure a point, although the hosts were left frustrated after twice surrendering the lead.

The 2-2 draw represents another setback for Kalju in their pursuit of European qualification, with the Tallinn club taking just one point from their two most recent league matches.