FCI Levadia claim derby win in front of season-record crowd

FCI Levadia secured an emphatic 4–0 victory over rivals FC Flora in the Premium Liiga Round 7 derby. A total of 1,039 spectators attended the match at Sportland Arena – the highest attendance of the season so far.

Levadia laid the foundation for the win early and maintained control throughout the match. Goals were scored by Tambedou (9’), Roosnupp (30’), Wendell (54’) and Peetson (74’).

First half

Levadia started sharply and created their first big chance already in the 2nd minute. Mihkel Ainsalu found Maksimilian Skvortsov on the right flank, whose low cross caused problems in Flora’s defense. The ball reached Bubacarr Tambedou, but his close-range effort was denied by Kaur Kivila.

The pressure paid off soon after. In the 8th minute, Skvortsov battled for the ball in the box, Tambedou controlled it with two touches and fired home with his right foot – 1:0.

Flora responded, but Rauno Alliku’s attempts were comfortably dealt with by Karl Andre Vallner. Levadia regained control and continued to create chances. A dangerous moment followed when Vallner misjudged a situation, allowing Rauno Sappinen to square the ball to Sergei Zenjov, who faced an empty net. However, defender Victory Iboro made a crucial last-ditch clearance.

Levadia capitalized soon after. Ainsalu’s cross found Mark Oliver Roosnupp unmarked at the far post, and he made no mistake – 2:0.

Levadia confidently controlled the remainder of the first half and went into the break with a solid advantage.

Second half

Flora began the second half with more energy but failed to create clear chances. Instead, Levadia struck again in the 54th minute with a brilliantly simple move – reaching the goal in just three touches. A long diagonal pass found Ainsalu, whose precise delivery allowed Wendell to finish – 3:0.

With over half an hour left, the outcome was already decided. Levadia remained dangerous and added a fourth goal in the 74th minute. Substitute João Pedro, making his first appearance of the season after injury, delivered a corner which Rasmus Peetson headed into the net – 4:0.

It was a historic result – never before had Levadia beaten Flora by such a margin in the top division.

Head coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko was very pleased with the team’s performance:
“Players have coped very well with the challenges we set for them daily in training and matches. The most important thing is that the team’s attitude and professionalism are at a very high level.”

He added about the pre-season targets:
“We had a specific points target for the first round and we had to achieve it. Today the team was motivated with a simple mindset – win or nothing.”

Zahovaiko emphasized balance as the key:
“Freshness is important. The question is how to balance freshness and workload. The boys have handled it very well.”

He saw little room for criticism:
“It’s hard to be critical today. We started sharp, played consistently, and most importantly – kept a clean sheet.”

Despite the big win, he remained grounded:
“It’s just one game. A derby win gives confidence, but it’s already behind us.”

Goal scorer Mark Oliver Roosnupp highlighted the team effort:
“A win is always great. The score looks perfect, but there’s always room to improve. Today we were clinical and played as a unit for 90 minutes.”

Levadia will continue their campaign in three days with an away match against Tartu JK Tammeka.

FCI Levadia thanks all supporters who came to the stadium on Sunday!

The next home match takes place next Sunday at Sportland Arena against Narva JK Trans. Kick-off is at 17:00.