Tallinna FC Levadia B produced a ruthless attacking display on 13 September 2026, defeating Tallinna FC Ararat TTU 5-1 in the Estonian Esiliiga. The reserve side of Levadia showed why they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the division, combining high pressing with clinical finishing to overwhelm their city rivals.

Full-time: Tallinna FC Ararat TTU 1-5 Tallinna FC Levadia B

Match overview

The match was effectively decided in a blistering first-half spell. Ararat TTU started brightly and briefly looked capable of matching their opponents, but Levadia B's speed in transition proved too much. Once the visitors took the lead, they never looked like surrendering it, adding further goals before the interval and then managing the second half with maturity.

Ararat TTU managed a consolation goal that briefly raised hopes of a comeback, but Levadia B responded immediately to restore their cushion and kill the game off. By the final whistle, the scoreline reflected the difference in quality and composure between the two sides.

Key moments

• 18' – 0-1: Maksim Gussev opened the scoring with a low drive from the edge of the area.
• 29' – 0-2: Artjom Dmitrijev doubled the lead after a slick one-two on the edge of the box.
• 41' – 0-3: Nikita Ivanov converted a penalty after a foul on the breaking winger.
• 57' – 1-3: Ararat TTU pulled one back with a well-placed header from a corner.
• 63' – 1-4: Gussev restored the three-goal lead almost immediately with his second of the match.
• 78' – 1-5: Dmitrijev completed the rout with a composed finish on the counter.

Tactical story

Levadia B set up in a high 4-3-3 and pressed aggressively from the front, forcing Ararat TTU into rushed passes and turnovers in dangerous areas. Their midfield trio dominated the central zones, winning second balls and feeding the wide forwards quickly. Whenever Ararat tried to build from the back, Levadia's front line cut off the passing lanes and forced long clearances that were easily recycled.

Ararat TTU's best spell came just after half-time, when they pushed more players forward and found some joy down the right flank. But their defensive shape became stretched in the process, and Levadia B punished them with two more goals on the break. It was a classic example of a stronger side absorbing pressure and then striking with precision.

Standout performers

Maksim Gussev was a constant threat, scoring twice and linking play intelligently in the final third. Artjom Dmitrijev controlled the tempo in midfield and added two goals of his own, while Nikita Ivanov's movement and penalty conversion highlighted his confidence. For Ararat TTU, the goalscorer from the corner was one of the few bright spots on a difficult evening, but the team's defensive line struggled to cope with Levadia's pace throughout.

What it means in the table

The victory keeps Levadia B firmly in the promotion conversation and underlines the depth of talent within the club's youth system. Their goal difference is now among the strongest in the Estonian Esiliiga, which could prove crucial in a tight title race. Ararat TTU, meanwhile, are left to reflect on a heavy home defeat that exposes the gap between them and the division's leading sides. They will need to tighten up defensively and find a way to manage games better when the tempo rises.

For Levadia B, the challenge now is consistency; for Ararat, it is recovery.