Elva beat Tallinna Kalev 3-2 in the Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday evening. The hosts finished ahead after a five-goal match at their home ground, with the final score line reflecting a game that swung back and forth between the sides.
Jasper Reilson opened the scoring for Elva in the 34th minute, giving the home side an early advantage. But Kalev responded quickly through Artur Sibul, who equalised in the 55th minute, before Ats Purje put his team ahead just two minutes later. The lead lasted barely long enough to celebrate.
Peeter Alev dragged Elva back into contention with a goal in the 77th minute, and Rauno Prii, who had come on as a substitute, secured the win eight minutes from time. Three substitutions in quick succession around the hour mark shifted the game's momentum, and by then Elva had found their second wind.
Elva dominated possession at 61 per cent and registered 102 attacks compared to Kalev's 68. They managed only two shots on target from their 10 attempts, while Kalev hit three targets from seven off-target efforts. The statistics showed Elva controlled territory, but the result came from moments rather than sustained pressure.
The victory extended Elva's recent positive run, following a 1-1 draw with Levadia and a 2-1 win over Flora II. Kalev's form has been more inconsistent, with heavy defeats to Flora II and Maardu in their previous outings.
Elva progress to the quarter-finals with the scoreline and goal difference working in their favour. The result confirmed what some had predicted before kick-off, though the manner of the victory suggested nothing was guaranteed until the final whistle.
