Nõmme Kalju 2-1 FC Flora Tallinn: Late Alex Matthias Tamm Strike Settles Tallinn Derby

Nõmme Kalju claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory over city rivals FC Flora Tallinn in the Estonian Premium Liiga on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with Alex Matthias Tamm scoring a late winner at the Hiiu Stadium. The result hands Kalju a crucial three points in the race for European places and leaves Flora reflecting on a derby they had briefly pulled level but ultimately lost.

The match lived up to its reputation as one of the most intense fixtures in Estonian football. Kalju began with a high tempo, pressing Flora’s midfield and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Flora, as expected, controlled long spells of possession through their 4-3-3 shape, but they struggled to turn that control into clear chances until the second half. The derby was decided by fine margins: a Kalju side that was sharper in transition and more ruthless from set pieces.

Key Moments

• 34' — Pavel Marin opened the scoring for Kalju, arriving late at the edge of the box and drilling a low shot past the Flora goalkeeper after a loose clearance.
• 62' — Rauno Sappinen equalised for Flora, converting from close range after a well-worked move down the right flank and a dangerous cross into the six-yard box.
• 87' — Alex Matthias Tamm won it for Kalju, rising highest from a corner and powering a header into the net to send the home support into celebration.

Tactical Story

Kalju set up in a 4-2-3-1 and were happy to concede possession in harmless areas, relying on quick breaks through Marin and Tamm. Their midfield duo screened the back four well and limited Flora’s ability to play through the centre. Flora’s full-backs pushed high in search of overloads, but that left space behind for Kalju’s counter-attacks, and the winner came from exactly the kind of set-piece pressure Kalju had been building throughout the second half.

Standout Performers

Tamm was the obvious match-winner, combining intelligent movement with a physical presence in the box. Marin’s opener was a reward for his energy between the lines, while Kalju goalkeeper Marko Meerits made two important saves at 1-1 to keep his side level. For Flora, Sappinen’s equaliser was a reminder of his finishing quality, but the visitors lacked the same cutting edge in the final 15 minutes.

Season Impact

The win strengthens Kalju’s position in the upper half of the Estonian Premium Liiga standings and gives them momentum in the fight for a European spot. Flora, meanwhile, drop valuable points in the title race and will need to respond quickly. In a league where derby results often define the mood of an entire season, this was a significant statement from Kalju — and a painful evening for Flora Tallinn.