Liigakohtumised

Liigakohtumised is the Estonian term for matches between teams within the same league during a season. The phrase is used in sports journalism and official league communications to distinguish league fixtures from cup ties and friendlies. In practice, liigakohtumised describe the core competitive games that determine the league standings.

Format and scheduling vary by sport and league, but most arrangements use a round-robin system where each team plays every other team a set number of times, commonly twice (home and away). Some leagues implement additional rounds or split into groups after a halfway point for a championship or relegation phase. The exact schedule and number of fixtures are defined by the competition rules.

Results and standings are governed by a points system, with modern football adopting 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. League tables rank teams by total points, and tiebreakers such as goal difference, goals scored, or head-to-head results may be invoked if needed. Each liigakohtumine contributes to statistics, attendance figures, and player recognitions.

Outcomes and significance: the results of liigakohtumised determine the league champion, potential relegation to a lower division, and qualification for national or international competitions, depending on the sport and federation rules. The concept is used across Estonian sports leagues, including football and basketball, to structure the competitive season and define stakes for each match.