Lokomotiv Moscow defeated Baltika Kaliningrad 1-0 in the 29th round of the Russian Premier League (RPL), sealing third place in the standings. The only goal came from Alexander Rudenko in the 4th minute, giving the hosts an early lead that proved decisive.
Baltika had a chance to equalize midway through the second half, but midfielder Ilya Petrov missed a penalty in the 66th minute. The visitors also played a man down for most of the match after defender Kevin Andrade was shown a straight red card in the 12th minute for a foul on Lokomotiv’s Zelimkhan Bakaev, following a VAR review.
The match also saw a bizarre incident in the 32nd minute when Baltika forward Derik Lacerda lost a tooth after a collision with Lokomotiv defender Lucas Fason. Lacerda required medical attention before continuing.
The win ended Lokomotiv’s three-match winless run (two draws, one defeat), while Baltika extended their poor form to three consecutive losses and seven matches without a victory. Lokomotiv now have 53 points and sit comfortably in third place, while Baltika are fifth with 46 points. Both Baltika and CSKA Moscow have been mathematically eliminated from the bronze medal race.
In the final round on May 17, Lokomotiv will travel to face CSKA, while Baltika host Dynamo Moscow at home.