The second-leg match of the Regions Path quarter-final stage of the FONBET Russian Cup 2025/26 between Baltika Kaliningrad and Zenit St. Petersburg will take place on 3 March at the Rostec Arena in Kaliningrad. Baltika Kaliningrad vs Zenit St. Petersburg: prediction, betting odds and statistics.
Baltika Kaliningrad
In the previous round, Baltika Kaliningrad beat Torpedo away from home (2:0). It was only the team’s second win in regulation time in the current Russian Cup campaign (1 draw, 4 defeats), but it is worth noting that Andrey Talalaev’s men have found the net in five matches during that spell. In addition, the home side have kept a clean sheet only for the second time in their last eight games in the national cup. Now the club face Zenit St. Petersburg, whom the hosts have yet to beat at official level in the 21st century.
- The team have not scored more than once in 6 of their previous 9 Russian Cup games.
- At home in this competition, Baltika Kaliningrad have failed to win 5 of their last 7 matches (1 draw, 4 defeats).
- At least one of the sides failed to score in 5 of the hosts’ previous 7 home games in the national cup.
Potential Baltika Kaliningrad Lineup (4-5-1)*
Maksim Borisko – Sergey Varatynov, Kevin Andrade, Natan Gassama, Mikhail Ryadno – Mingiyan Beveev, Maksim Petrov, Ivan Belikov, Andrey Mendel, Nikolay Titkov – Brian Gil.
Zenit St. Petersburg
Zenit St. Petersburg dropped into the lower bracket of the tournament following their tie against Dynamo Moscow. Having lost at home (1:3), the team won the return match by the narrowest of margins. It should be noted that this is the only defeat for Sergey Semak’s men in their last eight matches in the national cup (7 wins). Moreover, in three of their previous four games in this competition, the club kept a clean sheet. It is also worth recalling that last season Zenit St. Petersburg reached the final of the RPL Path.
- The team have scored at least twice in 6 of their last 8 Russian Cup matches.
- Away from home, Zenit St. Petersburg have won 7 of their previous 8 matches in the national cup.
- In 11 of the club’s last 13 away games in this competition, they have conceded no more than once.
Potential Zenit St. Petersburg Lineup (4-5-1)*
Denis Adamov – Igor Diveev, Douglas Santos, Nino, Gustavo Mantuan – John John, Pedro Henrique, Maksim Glushenkov, Wendel, Wilmar Barrios – John Duran.
Referee
Inal Tanashev (Russia)
Matches – 6 (Russian Cup, 2021/22 - 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 28;
Yellow cards per match on average – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 1;
Fouls per match on average – 34;
Penalties – 33%.
Baltika Kaliningrad vs Zenit St. Petersburg: Match Prediction
The opponents opened the RPL round after the season resumed, and now the teams will meet again in the first Russian Cup match of 2026. In Saint Petersburg, Zenit St. Petersburg had the edge, but Baltika Kaliningrad also caused Sergey Semak’s side problems. In the end, it was decided by one goal. We are convinced the opponents will not deliver a goal-fest this time either. Andrey Talalaev’s team have been almost flawless defensively at home. In the club’s last seven home matches in the RPL, they have conceded just one goal. That run also includes a goalless draw with Zenit St. Petersburg.
Baltika Kaliningrad do not score much, while Zenit St. Petersburg are also certain to dominate possession. However, the visitors rarely turn that control into maximum profit. Yes, it is difficult for opponents to breach Sergey Semak’s side, but the team themselves seldom produce a scoring explosion. That was evident in the recent meeting, and away from home in the Russian Cup the club have failed to score more than once in 8 of their last 11 matches.
Prediction: Under 2.5 goals
* Each team’s starting line-up is from its previous match.
