FC Kuressaare 0–2 Nõmme Kalju
Estonian Premium Liiga | 17 May 2026, 22:00

Match Overview

Nõmme Kalju claimed a comfortable 2–0 win over FC Kuressaare on artificial turf at Kuressaare linnastaadion. The visitors dominated proceedings from start to finish, with two first‑half goals proving enough to secure all three points and keep their title challenge alive.

First Half – Kalju Take Control

Kalju were in control within the first quarter of an hour. In the 12th minute, Aleksandr Kulinitš curled a free‑kick over the wall and into the top corner to give the visitors the lead. Kuressaare struggled to build any sustained pressure, and Kalju doubled their advantage in the 34th minute when Promise David latched onto a through‑ball and slotted past the home goalkeeper.

Second Half – Kuressaare Fail to Respond

The hosts tried to rally after the break, introducing fresh legs in attack, but Kalju’s backline remained resolute. Midfielder Marten Mütt controlled the tempo for the away side, while goalkeeper Mark Meerits had a quiet evening, making only two routine saves. Kuressaare’s best chance came in the 78th minute when a header from a corner drifted just wide.

Key Moments

• 12' – Aleksandr Kulinitš scores a sublime free‑kick (0–1).
• 34' – Promise David doubles the lead after a quick counter‑attack.
• 65' – Kalju’s Kaspar Paur hits the post from 20 yards.
• 82' – Kuressaare’s Märten Pajunurm is sent off for a second yellow card.

Tactical Story

Kalju used a 4‑3‑3 formation that allowed them to dominate the midfield and press Kuressaare high up the pitch. The hosts attempted to play long balls to target man Andre Ilves, but Kalju’s centre‑backs won most aerial duels. The sending‑off late in the game extinguished any faint hope of a Kuressaare comeback.

Standout Players

• Aleksandr Kulinitš (Kalju) – Opened the scoring with a moment of magic.
• Marten Mütt (Kalju) – Dictated the game from central midfield.
• Kert Kütt (Kuressaare) – Made several tackles despite the defeat.

Impact on the Table

Kalju’s victory kept them second in the Premium Liiga, just two points behind leaders Flora Tallinn. Kuressaare remain in seventh place, now winless in four matches, and are looking over their shoulder at the relegation zone.