Lokomotiv Moscow and Baltika Kaliningrad Play to a 2-2 Draw in RPL Russian Cup Quarterfinals
In the opening quarterfinal clash of the Russian Premier League Russian Cup, Moscow’s Lokomotiv faced Kaliningrad’s Baltika. The clash unfolded at the Rostec Arena in Kaliningrad and finished with a two-all scoreline, delivering a competitive balance as the two sides traded goals across the 90 minutes plus injury time.
The visitors struck first, with Timur Suleymanov finding the net in the first half to give Lokomotiv the lead. That early advantage set the stage for a tense battle, as Baltika responded with resilience. In the second half, Tigran Avanesyan and Nathan Gassama both equalized for the home side, turning the game into a seesaw contest. Suleymanov, not to be denied, completed a brace late in the match, blasting a second goal in added time to level the score once again. The final flourish came at the third minute of stoppage time when the Railwaymen’s striker converted a late opportunity, sealing a dramatic draw for his team.
The two teams will reconvene in Moscow on March 12 of the following year for the second leg, with the aggregate result deciding which side advances to the semifinals. Fans and analysts alike anticipate a tightly contested rematch, where both sides will aim to translate a solid road performance into a place in the final four.
Baltika Kaliningrad earned their spot in the quarterfinals by finishing second in their group during the Russian Cup group stage, while Lokomotiv Moscow had already clinched a top placement across the group rounds, showcasing their depth and experience in knockout fixtures. The draw reminded supporters that cup competitions often reward early momentum while testing a team’s ability to close out tight matches in front of a traveling fan base.
During the broader Russian Premier League season, Lokomotiv sat in eighth place with 25 points after 16 games, reflecting a campaign marked by steadiness and ambition. Baltika, meanwhile, found themselves near the bottom of the table, occupying 15th place with 12 points, a position that underscores the challenge of balancing league play with cup commitments. The upcoming league assignments add another layer of strategic planning for both clubs as they balance squad rotation, fitness, and the pursuit of pride in domestic competitions.
Looking ahead to the next round, Mikhail Galaktionov’s Lokomotiv team is slated to host Zenit St. Petersburg in the domestic league, a high-profile test against one of the country’s strongest sides. Baltika will travel to Fakel Voronezh, seeking a result that could buoy their position in the table and build momentum heading into more crucial fixtures. The schedule promises a blend of pressure and opportunity for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
In related coverage, Guberniev reaffirmed the status of a football capital discussion, highlighting the central role of Russian cities like Moscow in shaping the country’s football culture and competitive landscape. This broader context helps frame the Cup ties as part of a larger narrative about regional football strength and development across Russia.