Tammeka turn on the style in 3-1 win at Kuressaare

Tartu JK Maag Tammeka claimed a convincing 3-1 away victory over FC Kuressaare in the Estonian Premium Liiga on Sunday, 13 September 2026, delivering a performance that combined early control with clinical finishing at Kuressaare Linnastaadion. The result gave Tammeka a valuable lift in the upper half of the table, while Kuressaare were left to reflect on a night when they were second-best in the decisive moments.

Played at 22:00 local time, the match followed a clear pattern from the opening quarter. Tammeka pressed high, forced turnovers in midfield, and looked the more purposeful side whenever they moved the ball forward. Kuressaare tried to respond through direct balls into the channels, but the visitors’ defensive line held firm and repeatedly turned possession into quick counter-attacks.

Match overview

Tammeka took the lead in the 18th minute when Kevin Mätas intercepted a loose pass near the edge of the box and curled a low finish beyond the goalkeeper. The away side doubled their advantage in the 39th minute through Martin Jõgi, who rose highest to meet a corner and powered a header into the net. Kuressaare improved after the break and pulled one back in the 58th minute when Sander Rõivassepp struck from just outside the area after a scramble.

Any hopes of a home comeback were extinguished in the 82nd minute. Karl-Eerik Luik broke clear on the counter, rounded the goalkeeper, and calmly rolled the ball into an empty net to seal a 3-1 victory for Tartu JK Maag Tammeka.

Key moments

• 18’ – Goal, Tammeka: Kevin Mätas punished a misplaced pass with a composed finish.
• 39’ – Goal, Tammeka: Martin Jõgi headed home from a well-delivered corner.
• 58’ – Goal, Kuressaare: Sander Rõivassepp gave the home side brief hope with a strike from distance.
• 82’ – Goal, Tammeka: Karl-Eerik Luik finished a rapid counter-attack to make it 3-1.

Tactical story

Tammeka lined up in a flexible 4-2-3-1 and were happy to surrender some possession in deeper areas, knowing they could spring forward through Mätas and Luik. Their pressing traps in central midfield were especially effective, forcing Kuressaare into hurried passes and preventing the home side from building sustained pressure. Kuressaare’s 4-4-2 shape offered width, but the front two were often isolated against Tammeka’s centre-backs.

The away side’s set-piece work also proved decisive. Jõgi’s header came from a training-ground routine, and Tammeka’s height in the box caused problems throughout. Kuressaare’s goal was a reward for a brighter spell after half-time, but they could not maintain that intensity once Tammeka restored their two-goal cushion.

Standout players

Kevin Mätas was the engine of Tammeka’s performance, combining a goal with intelligent pressing and neat link-up play. Martin Jõgi’s aerial threat made him a constant danger, while Karl-Eerik Luik’s pace in behind kept the Kuressaare defence honest until the final whistle. For Kuressaare, Sander Rõivassepp was the brightest attacking outlet and took his goal well.

Season impact

The win strengthens Tammeka’s position in the Estonian Premium Liiga and adds momentum to their push for a higher finish. For Kuressaare, the defeat is a missed opportunity to climb the standings, though their second-half response showed there are positives to build on. Tammeka will take confidence from a complete away performance, while Kuressaare must tighten up in midfield if they are to avoid similar setbacks in the coming weeks.