FCI Levadia defeat Harju JK Laagri 3–1

FCI Levadia defeated Harju JK Laagri 3–1 away in the Round 2 match of the Estonian Premium League and moved to the top of the league table alongside Nõmme Kalju FC.

Playing their first match in the new green kits by Macron, Levadia started the game with strong pressure towards Harju’s goal. The first chances came quickly – in the 5th minute striker Tambedou got a shot away inside the penalty area, but Harju’s goalkeeper was ready.

However, the opening goal soon followed. Ainsalu sent a pass from the halfway line behind Harju’s defensive line, where Tambedou had made a sprint. The Gambian forward then passed the ball to Maksimilian Skvortsov, who collided with Andres Järve inside the penalty area but still managed to find Tambedou in front of goal. The striker only had to finish – 1:0 to Levadia.

Levadia’s lead did not last long, as Harju equalised in the 15th minute. Rudenko delivered a low cross to the near post where Abdul Binate directed the ball into the net from close range – 1:1.

Harju’s situation became much more difficult in the 33rd minute when captain Järve received a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, leaving the home side with ten men. Tambedou had broken through on goal after a long pass from Victory Iboro, but Järve pulled the Levadia striker down just before the penalty area.

Despite being a man down, Harju held on until the 74th minute when Levadia’s pressure finally paid off. Frank Liivak’s shot flew over Harju goalkeeper Jan Martti Vainula and landed in the top corner – 2:1 to Levadia.

In the very next attack the ball was in the net again, as Skvortsov beautifully curled a shot from 16 metres into the top corner – 3:1 to Levadia. No major chances followed in the closing stages, and Levadia secured their second consecutive victory and three more points.

Skvortsov said in a post-match interview with Soccernet.ee:
“I think we played well. The opponents received a red card and that made things a bit easier for us. We tried to attack through the wings and I think it worked quite well. I play wherever the coach puts me, although my favourite position is number ten.”

Skvortsov added that he is currently playing the best football of his life.
“The team is doing everything to help me develop. I really like the style of play our new coach has brought to the team.”

A 16-year-old midfielder Vjatšeslav Pavlovitš also made his Estonian Premium League debut for FCI Levadia, coming on in the 89th minute to replace Enock Otoo. Pavlovitš played for Levadia’s U17 team last season but joined the first team squad this year.

The match protocol can be found here: http://jalgpall.ee/voistlused/protocol/136251

Before the upcoming Estonia national team matches, Levadia will play one more game before a short Premium League break. Next Sunday Levadia will face Paide Linnameeskond in a big clash. Kick-off is at 15:00 at Sportland Arena and tickets are available via Piletitasku.

Photo: Anti Stern