FCI Levadia defeated Pärnu JK Vaprus 2:1

FCI Levadia secured a valuable win in Round 5 of the Premium Liiga, beating Pärnu JK Vaprus 2:1 at home yesterday.

The match at Sportland Arena started at a high tempo, with Levadia taking control from the opening minutes. The opening goal came at the end of the first half when Maksimilian Skvortsov struck a beautiful free kick from the edge of the box, the ball going in off the post. Although Levadia created several good chances in the first half, they were unable to add to their lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Levadia dominating possession and creating opportunities. However, it was Pärnu who struck next after a VAR review awarded them a penalty. Former Levadia player Henri Välja converted the spot kick, sending the ball past Karl Andre Vallner to make it 1:1. Levadia responded with continued pressure and determination, and the decisive goal came late in the match when Bubacarr Tambedou finally found the net, securing all three points.

Head coach Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko post-match comments

“The final result is pleasing for us, that’s what we came here for. The only concern is finishing – I can’t recall a match where we had so many chances but scored so few goals,” said Zahovaiko.

“You feel that the goals are coming, but they just don’t. As the end of the match approached, the opponent gained momentum. Unfortunately for us, VAR awarded a penalty and they were immediately back in the game. Of course, that creates some nervousness. But I’m proud of the team – they showed strong character. We stayed relatively calm throughout the match and managed the tempo very well in the second half, tilting the game in our favour.”

Next, Levadia will face league leaders Nõmme Kalju FC, who have a perfect record so far. “I think it will be a very good match between two strong teams. We will have a chance to show what we are made of. Today we enjoy the three points, tomorrow we have a light recovery session, and then we begin preparing for the next game,” Zahovaiko added.

Levadia’s next Premium Liiga match will take place this Sunday away at Nõmme Kalju FC at Hiiu Stadium, kicking off at 14:30. The match will be broadcast live on ETV2. All Levadia supporters are invited to come and support the team in Hiiu!

Photo: Anna Andreas, jalgpall.ee