Wendell rescues a point for 10-man Levadia against Nõmme United
Photo: Anna Andreas, jalgpall.ee In the fourth round of the Estonian Premium Liiga, Nõmme United failed to hold on to what would have been a surprise win, as FCI Levadia fought back with ten men to earn a 1-1 draw, thanks to a late equaliser from Brazilian substitute Wendell.
Levadia started the match as clear favourites and applied early pressure, but despite controlling possession and creating a handful of dangerous situations, they lacked precision in the final third. United, meanwhile, grew into the game and managed to keep things relatively controlled in the first half, with neither goalkeeper seriously tested.
The match turned dramatically in the second half. United were awarded a penalty after a foul on Owusu Dacosta inside the box, and veteran Andre Frolov stepped up to calmly convert, placing the ball just inside the post to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Moments later, Levadia’s situation worsened significantly. Defender Tanel Tammik brought down Owusu in a cynical challenge, earning a red card and leaving the hosts to chase the game with ten men.
Despite being a man down, Levadia showed strong character and gradually began to take control of the game. They pushed United deeper and created sustained pressure, winning set-pieces and delivering dangerous balls into the box.
Their persistence paid off in the 87th minute. A cross from the left by Joseph Saliste found Wendell inside the penalty area, and the Brazilian striker rose to head the ball home from close range, levelling the score at 1-1.
In the closing minutes, Levadia looked the more likely side to find a winner, continuing to press and dominate territory, while United struggled to regain control after conceding. However, neither side could produce a decisive moment.
FCI Levadia vs Nõmme United – 1-1 (0-0)
Goals: Wendell 87′ | Frolov 59′ (Penalty kick)
Round 34
FC Flora
Nõmme United
Tammeka
Kuressaare
Nõmme Kalju
# Team P
W D L
GF GA GD Pts
1
FCI Levadia32
25
6
1
87
22
65
81
2
FC Flora33
19
1
13
63
47
16
58
3
Paide32
17
6
9
52
39
13
57
4
Nõmme Kalju32
15
6
11
54
33
21
51
5
Tammeka32
15
2
15
42
51
-9
47
6
Harju33
15
2
16
48
48
0
47
7
Pärnu Vaprus32
10
6
16
43
63
-20
36
8
Kuressaare32
10
5
17
34
51
-17
35
9
Nõmme United32
10
1
21
50
74
-24
31
10
Narva Trans32
5
5
22
25
70
-45
20
