Flora and Paide Secure Narrow Wins, Nõmme Kalju Suffer Heavy Defeat in Conference League

Following Levadia's success, three more Estonian football clubs contested their first matches in the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. Tallinn's Flora defeated Welsh side TNS 1-0 at home. The only goal came in the 31st minute from 18-year-old midfielder Remo Valdmet, who fired precisely from outside the box into the bottom corner. Valdmet could have completed a hat-trick, but goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd denied him twice. After the break, the Welsh champions improved and created several dangerous chances – in the 75th minute, a shot hit the crossbar, but Flora managed to hold onto the narrow lead until the final whistle. Flora coach Konstantin Vasiliev noted that winning is always pleasant, but the team created enough chances and scored only one; conceding none was positive. Midfielder Konstantin Vasiliev added that the minimal win was the target, but the return leg in Wales will be tough. This was Flora's first victory in normal time in European competition since 2022.

Paide hosted Azerbaijani club Zira in Parnu and also won 1-0. The first half belonged to the visitors, but after the interval the hosts became more active. The winning goal came in the 87th minute: after a cross by Edgar Tur and a shot by Henri Anier, substitute Pa Abu Cham was first to the rebound and slotted home off the crossbar.

Nõmme Kalju had a poor evening, losing 2-5 away to Irish side Shelbourne. By the 25th minute, Kalju were 0-3 down due to defensive errors, and head coach Nikita Andreev was forced to make a tactical substitution before halftime. In the second half, Shelbourne extended the lead to 5-1, but Kalju pulled two goals back late, with Enrique Esono scoring a brace, slightly improving their chances ahead of the return match.

Earlier, Levadia had beaten Swedish Göteborg 2-1 away. The return matches will take place next week, determining who advances to the third qualifying round.