Lokomotiv Moscow and Baltika delivered a lackluster spring in the Russian Premier League. The Muscovites managed only three wins in 10 rounds, while the Kaliningrad side secured two. Moreover, Andrey Talalaev’s team was on a six-match winless streak. However, Baltika had a final chance to challenge for bronze: a away victory over Lokomotiv was needed. For the hosts, a win would guarantee their spot in the top three after the 29th round.
A key pre-match story was the absences in both squads. Lokomotiv missed Alexey Batrakov and Gerzino Nyamsi due to yellow card accumulation, while Baltika was without Nikolay Titkov, Eldar Chivic (suspensions), and injured players Maxim Borisko, Alexander Filin, and Brian Hill.
Yet, Lokomotiv struck early, even without their leader. In the 4th minute, Lucas Vera delivered a cross into the box, Lucas Fasson knocked it down to Evgeny Morozov, whose shot hit the crossbar. Fortunately for the hosts, the ball rebounded to the onrushing Alexander Rudenko, who tapped it in. 1-0.
Then, disaster struck for Baltika. In the 12th minute, they were reduced to ten men: Kevin Andrade stamped his studs on Zelimkhan Bakayev’s Achilles. Referee Anton Frolov initially showed a yellow card, but VAR called him to review the incident. The result was a straight red card. Justified? Quite likely. Baltika lost their captain and key defender.
This tough turn of events made Baltika’s situation extremely difficult. However, the visitors had a chance to equalize. After a fierce attack in the middle of the half, the ball fell to Nathan Gassama, who fired a powerful shot that struck the post. Unlucky.
In the 23rd minute, Mikhail Galaktionov made a surprising substitution, replacing defender Egor Pogostnov, who had received a yellow card. Probably, the coach feared the player would eventually be sent off. Pogostnov was playing his first RPL match since December 7, 2025, and his first start since Round 11. It was a disappointing comeback, but hopefully, it won’t break the 22-year-old psychologically.
Despite being a man down, Baltika held on solidly. Late in the first half, they had another chance. In the 43rd minute, Ilya Petrov struck a dangerous volley, but the ball sailed just over the crossbar. Before halftime, Lokomotiv also launched a dangerous counterattack, with Bakayev and Rudenko combining, leading to Zelimkhan’s shot on target, but Egor Lyubakov saved for Baltika.
Another unusual incident occurred in the 33rd minute. Baltika forward Derik Lacerda made a run, but Lucas Fasson slid in and dispossessed him—with his teeth! Yes, the Brazilian stayed on the ground holding his face. Replays showed Fasson’s boot hit Lacerda’s mouth, resulting in a small gap in his upper teeth.
Lokomotiv came out motivated for the second half and pushed for another goal. Defender Maxim Nenakhov was active in attack, while Alexander Rudenko sought a brace. Yet, Baltika had the best chance. In the 65th minute, after another VAR intervention, referee Frolov awarded a penalty: Morozov elbowed visiting midfielder Andrey Mendel in the face during a challenge. However, Lokomotiv captain Mitryushkin saved Ilya Petrov’s spot kick!
Until the final whistle, both teams exchanged attacks. Baltika’s Ivan Belikov had a good opportunity, but his diving shot was blocked by Alexander Silyanov. Later, Dmitry Vorobyov could have sealed the win, but Belikov saved his attempt.