Estonia football Premiership round 16: Levadia and Paide win, Nõmme Kalju lose to Tammeka

On Wednesday, 17 June, Estonia's football Premiership round 16 concluded. Levadia defeated Nõmme United 2:1 away, Paide beat Harju 1:0 at home, while Nõmme Kalju lost to Tartu Tammeka 1:2 at home after a dramatic final minute.

On Wednesday, 17 June, Estonia's football Premiership round 16 concluded with three matches, the most dramatic of which was between Nõmme Kalju and Tartu Tammeka at Hiiuu stadium.

Levadia loses a player but wins the match

At Männik stadium, leaders Levadia made a strong start. Maksimilian Skvortsev put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute. However, in the 33rd minute, Viktor Iborro received a red card and Levadia was reduced to ten men. Nõmme United took advantage of their numerical superiority, with Zakaria Beglarishvili equalising in the second half. But Levadia still found the winning goal: Nigerian striker Abraham Nwankwo scored in the chaos around United's goal, securing full points for Levadia.

Kalju drama: two reds and the opposition's decisive blow

The match at Hiiuu stadium, where Nõmme Kalju hosted Tartu Tammeka, unfolded even more dramatically. Enrique Esono put Kalju ahead in the 23rd minute, but just five minutes later Aleksandr Nikolajev scored an own goal and the score went to 1:1.

The final minutes proved catastrophic for Kalju. In the 89th minute, Maksim Podkholjuzin was sent off, and in added time Daniil Maštšenko committed a foul on Pavel Marin in the penalty area and was also shown red, leaving Kalju with nine men. The referee awarded a penalty, but goalkeeper Henri Perk saved Pedro Manuel's shot. However, the Brazilian striker made amends in the next attack and scored the winning goal for Tammeka.

Paide victory through own goal

Paide defeated Harju 1:0 at home thanks to an own goal from Harju captain Andres Järvi.

In matches played on Tuesday, Tallinna Flora won 2:1 away against Pärnu Vaprus, and Kuressaare and Narva Trans drew 0:0.

Table standings after round 16

Levadia is a clear leader on 42 points. They are followed by Flora 30, Kalju 29, Paide 25, Tammeka and Vaprus both on 20 points. Harju has 19, Kuressaare 17, Nõmme United 16 and Narva Trans 10 points. Flora and Tammeka have one match in hand.