Levadia beat Kalju to take Estonian Super Cup

Artur Rättel struck twice as FC Levadia Tallinn swept aside champions JK Nõmme Kalju 3-0 to clinch their fifth Estonian Super Cup title in Tallinn. 

With both sides returning to competitive action for the first time in four months, the contest was slow to catch fire until Rättel lit the fuse after 19 minutes with a sumptuous first-time finish from the edge of the penalty area. Kalju's response was swift and they should arguably have levelled when Allan Kimbaloula planted a header wide at the back post. 

It took Estonian Cup holders Levadia 17 minutes of the second half to increase their lead. Rättel turned provider, crossing from the left for Igor Subbotin to calmly slot in. The 20-year-old Rättel then set the seal on a commanding performance by turning in Artur Pikk's pinpoint centre.

"We struggled at the back tonight but we should have scored from some of the chances we created," said Kalju coach Igor Prins, whose side lifted the First League title last November. "Tonight showed how much work we need to do before the season starts. Hopefully on Saturday you will see what the team is capable of."

"When you beat the champions 3-0 you can only feel positive emotions," added match winner Rättel, who has represented Estonia at Under-21 level. "We were fighting for a trophy tonight and it's a great feeling to win it. We have proved we can fight for the title this season."