European journey is over. Today we face Kalev!

On August 14th, FCI Levadia’s European campaign in the UEFA Conference League came to an end, as we had to admit a 3:1 (5:4 on aggregate) defeat against Luxembourg’s FC Differdange 03 at home. Now we turn our focus back to the Premium Liiga – today we face Tallinna JK Kalev!

Levadia started the home game against the Luxembourg champions with the following lineup: Karl Andre Vallner (GK), Edgar Tur, Victory Iboro, Rasmus Peetson (C), Michael Schjønning-Larsen, Mihkel Ainsalu, Til Mavretić, Carlos Torres, João Pedro, Richie Musaba and Mark Oliver Roosnupp.

The first leg in Luxembourg ended in a 3:2 victory for Levadia, but in the return leg we could not secure qualification.

In the first half, Levadia had more possession, but neither side created many chances. In the second half, Differdange took the initiative and created several dangerous moments, finally scoring in the 89th minute – 1:0 to the visitors.

That meant extra time. At the very start of extra time, the A. Le Coq Arena crowd rose to their feet as Bubacarr Tambedou scored in the 92nd minute, taking advantage of a situation where the opposing goalkeeper was caught out of position. The score was level – 1:1!

Unfortunately, the joy didn’t last long. In the second minute of added time in the first half of extra time (105+2), Differdange converted a corner and went ahead once again. On aggregate, the score was 4:4 – everything still to play for.

Levadia kept pushing, but clear chances were scarce. In the second half of extra time, Victory Iboro received his second yellow card and was sent off. In the dying minutes, the ball accidentally struck Rasmus Peetson’s hand inside the box, and the visitors were awarded a penalty. It was converted in the 119th minute – 3:1 to Differdange.

Despite Levadia’s late pressure, the scoreline did not change, and we had to accept defeat. With that, our European journey for this season came to an end.

Today, however, we focus on the domestic league! In Premium Liiga round 24 we face Tallinna JK Kalev. Levadia currently leads the league with 53 points, followed by FC Flora with 51 and Paide Linnameeskond with 48. It should be noted that Flora has played one match more than us and Paide two matches more.

Kick-off is at 19:00 at Kadriorg Stadium. Come and support the team at home!

Photo: Katariina Peetson / jalgpall.ee