Tallinna FC Ararat TTU delivered one of the most entertaining attacking performances of the Estonian Esiliiga round on 10 September 2026, defeating FC Maardu 4-2 in a six-goal contest that kept supporters on edge until the closing minutes. The win gave Ararat TTU a valuable three points in their push for a stronger league position, while Maardu were left to reflect on a night of missed defensive details.

Ararat TTU edge a six-goal thriller

Played on home soil, the match began at a high tempo and quickly developed into an open, end-to-end affair. Ararat TTU were the sharper side in the opening exchanges, pressing Maardu high and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. That early pressure paid off when Aram Grigoryan opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing calmly after a quick move through the right side of the penalty area.

Maardu responded well and found an equaliser in the 27th minute through Maksim Gussev, whose low strike beat the Ararat goalkeeper after a scrappy period of play. But parity lasted only until the 39th minute, when Oliver Mänd restored the home side's lead with a composed finish from the edge of the box. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Rasmus Kallas made it 3-1, converting a rebound after Maardu failed to clear a corner.

Key moments

• 12' – 1-0: Aram Grigoryan opened the scoring for Tallinna FC Ararat TTU with a neat finish.
• 27' – 1-1: Maksim Gussev equalised for FC Maardu with a low effort.
• 39' – 2-1: Oliver Mänd put Ararat back in front before half-time.
• 45+2' – 3-1: Rasmus Kallas pounced on a loose ball to extend the lead.
• 68' – 3-2: Aleksandr Volkov gave Maardu hope with a well-taken goal.
• 84' – 4-2: Aram Grigoryan sealed his brace and the win for Ararat TTU.

Tactical story

Ararat TTU's approach was built on aggressive pressing and quick transitions. Their midfield won the second balls consistently in the first half, and the front line repeatedly exploited space behind Maardu's full-backs. Maardu, by contrast, looked most dangerous when they played direct and attacked the channels, but they struggled to sustain pressure for long enough to fully unsettle the home defence.

The second half was more balanced. Maardu improved after pulling a goal back through Volkov, and for a 15-minute spell they pinned Ararat TTU deeper than the hosts would have liked. However, Ararat's late fourth goal ended the comeback attempt and highlighted their superior cutting edge on the night.

Standout performers

Aram Grigoryan was the obvious hero for Ararat TTU, scoring twice and constantly troubling Maardu's centre-backs with his movement. Oliver Mänd controlled the tempo in midfield, while Rasmus Kallas combined energy with composure in the final third. For Maardu, Aleksandr Volkov was a bright spark, and Maksim Gussev's equaliser showed the kind of threat they can carry when they move the ball forward quickly.

What it means for the Esiliiga table

The victory strengthens Ararat TTU's position in the upper half of the Estonian Esiliiga and gives them momentum for the next round of fixtures. For FC Maardu, the defeat is a setback in what has been a competitive campaign, and their defensive record will be a concern after conceding four times. Ararat TTU's goal difference also received a boost, which could prove important as the season progresses and the promotion race tightens.