FC Kuressaare produced a late show to edge out Harju JK Laagri 3-2 in a breathless Premium Liiga encounter on 8 August 2026. The five-goal contest delivered drama from start to finish at Kuressaare linnastaadion, with the hosts recovering after conceding twice to snatch all three points in a match that swung dramatically between the sides.

How the match unfolded

Kuressaare started brightly and looked to impose themselves on their visitors from the mainland, controlling possession and moving the ball quickly through midfield. The early pressure told when the home side broke the deadlock inside the opening half-hour, finishing a slick passing move with a clinical strike that left the Harju defence exposed.

Harju JK Laagri, however, refused to fold. The away side levelled before the interval, punishing a momentary lapse in concentration from the Kuressaare back line. From there, the game opened up considerably, and Harju stunned the home crowd shortly after the restart by completing the turnaround with a well-worked counter-attack that gave the visitors a 2-1 lead.

Kuressaare's response and late winner

Trailing for the first time in the match, Kuressaare showed real character. Their attacking intent increased, with wide deliveries and set pieces becoming a constant source of trouble for the Harju defence. The equaliser arrived midway through the second half when a scrappy goalmouth scramble ended with the ball bundled over the line, restoring parity and setting up a frantic final quarter-hour.

With the home crowd pushing them forward, Kuressaare kept the pressure on and found the winner late on. A precise cross from the right flank was met with a firm header, sending the ball past the Harju goalkeeper and sealing a memorable 3-2 victory. The final whistle sparked jubilant scenes among the players and supporters alike, capping off an all-action afternoon of Estonian top-flight football.

Tactical story of the match

• Wide play: Kuressaare consistently used their wingers to stretch the Harju shape, creating overloads in wide areas that eventually wore down the visitors.
• Counter-attacking threat: Harju looked dangerous on the break, with their pace in transition causing problems every time they won the ball back.
• Set-piece importance: The home side's persistence from dead-ball situations proved decisive in the second half, with the equaliser and winner both originating from deliveries into the box.

What it means

The win gives Kuressaare a valuable boost as they look to climb the Premium Liiga standings. The three points at home strengthen their position in the mid-table battle and provide momentum for the weeks ahead. For Harju JK Laagri, the narrow defeat will sting, but their competitive performance and fighting spirit offer encouragement as they continue their campaign against more established top-flight opposition.

For neutrals, this was a perfect advert for Estonian football — end-to-end action, multiple lead changes, and a dramatic finish that underlined why every point in the Premium Liiga is so fiercely contested.