Battle at Hiiu Ends in a Draw

FCI Levadia played out a 1:1 away draw against league leaders Nõmme Kalju in the 6th round of the Premium Liiga.

The big clash at Hiiu Stadium started well for FCI Levadia. From the opening minutes it was clear that the green shirts came to get a result against Nõmme Kalju. Their pressure paid off late in the first half when Robert Kirss found the net, but after a VAR review, referee Kristo Tohver disallowed the goal due to a foul on Modou Tambedou in the penalty area. The first half ended 0:0.

Levadia continued to dominate at the start of the second half, but Kalju gradually grew into the game. The breakthrough came in the 50th minute when Bubacarr Tambedou struck a शानदार goal to make it 1–0. However, Levadia were once again punished with a penalty, as Frank Liivak was judged to have fouled a Kalju player in the box. Männilaan converted, making it 1:1. Despite a few good chances to score a winner, Levadia had to settle for their third draw of the season.

Head coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko did not hide his frustration after the match:
“It’s a bit difficult to accept these VAR decisions. It feels like they’ve been going against us in every round lately. But we have to deal with it. Apart from that, I’m very satisfied with the team’s performance. The team is energetic, hungry. We have good ideas and the players are working hard to implement them.”

He added:
“We are professionals. If the decision is made, we have to accept it and move on. Life doesn’t stop. But right now it feels like the football gods are not on our side. Maybe that will change.”

Levadia captain Rasmus Peetson was also critical:
“There was contact, yes. But I don’t know… it felt soft. Very accidental. I’m not sure we gained any advantage from it.”

Zahovaiko also pointed out inconsistency in decisions:
“At the end of the first half Joseph Saliste was also stepped on, and nothing was given. It doesn’t feel balanced. But it is what it is. If there was contact, there was contact. It’s hard to accept because we deserved that goal. But if it’s taken away, it’s taken away.”

According to the coach, Levadia deserved more:
“I believe we deserved to win. In the last 20 minutes Kalju were struggling. We pushed hard and created good chances. The boys really wanted to win today. I have no complaints.”

Peetson admitted the draw feels disappointing:
“Another penalty against us. That’s already happened in several matches. We’re conceding too many goals like that. It leaves a bitter taste, but I’m proud of the team. We fought hard and played well. We keep working.”

A demanding schedule

April is a tough month for all Premium Liiga teams. Zahovaiko called it a “survival month”:
“On some positions we lack depth, so leaders have had to carry more load. We need to find balance and keep everyone healthy. It’s difficult, but doable.”

After six rounds, Levadia have three wins and three draws.
“It’s disappointing now, but we are where we are. Without some unlucky moments we could be top of the table. But we focus on one game at a time,” said Zahovaiko.

Peetson added:
“There’s still a long way to go to reach our ideal level. But step by step we’re improving.”

Eyes on the Tallinn derby

Next Sunday brings the first Tallinn derby of the season against FC Flora. Zahovaiko remains focused:
“They say schadenfreude is the sweetest joy, but it doesn’t affect us. We see them as a strong team. Derbies are always intense. We focus on ourselves.”

We invite all supporters to attend the derby at Sportland Arena. Expect a full house—secure your ticket in advance via Piletitasku.

Kick-off on April 19 is at 14:30, gates open at 13:30. See you at Sportland Arena!

Photo: Janek Eslon