FC Maardu produced a commanding away performance at JK Tallinna Kalev on 25 August 2026, earning a deserved 3-1 victory in the Estonian Esiliiga. The result underlined Maardu’s attacking quality and gave them a significant boost in the second-tier standings.

Match overview

From the first minute, FC Maardu looked the more dangerous side. Their pressing game disrupted JK Tallinna Kalev’s build-up play, and it did not take long for the visitors to turn early pressure into goals. A well-taken opener gave Maardu the lead and forced Kalev to open up, creating even more space for the away side to exploit.

Maardu doubled their advantage before half-time with a clinical finish, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb. Kalev responded positively after the restart and managed to pull a goal back, briefly giving the home fans hope of a comeback. However, any thoughts of a dramatic turnaround were quickly extinguished as Maardu restored their two-goal cushion with a third goal.

Key moments

• Early breakthrough: Maardu’s aggressive start was rewarded with a goal inside the opening exchanges.
• Second before half-time: A patient attacking sequence ended with Maardu doubling their lead at a crucial moment.
• Kalev fightback: The home side showed character to score, but could not sustain the momentum.
• Decisive third: Maardu’s third goal sealed the points and cooled any late pressure.

Standings and season context

Victory moves FC Maardu up the Esiliiga table and strengthens their position among the promotion contenders. For JK Tallinna Kalev, the defeat is a setback in their own ambitions, but the performance suggested they can still pick up results if they tighten up defensively. Matches like this are often decisive in defining a season, and Maardu will hope this result becomes the springboard for a sustained climb.