Zenit St Petersburg secured a 3-2 victory over Baltika at the Rostec Arena in their Russian Premier League Group C matchday 5 clash. The match, played on 29 October 2026, was inspired by Felipe Augusto, who scored twice and provided an assist. Roman Vega opened the scoring in the 30th minute, converting Daniil Kondakov's pass after a swift counter-attack. John John doubled the lead in the 69th minute, capitalising on a Baltika defensive error and firing into the far corner. Fahd Mufi pulled one back in the 73rd minute, but Felipe Augusto restored Zenit's two-goal cushion in the 83rd minute. Ilya Porokhov reduced the deficit to one goal in the 90+1st minute, but it was too late. The match produced four yellow cards: Nathan Gassama (24'), Sergei Volkov (60'), Stefan Kovac (65') and Denis Adamov (78'). Zenit controlled 57% possession and registered 18 shots to Baltika's 11. The win cements Zenit's place at the top of Group C with 13 points, while Baltika remain bottom with four. Zenit's coach praised his side's character and attacking efficiency after the match. Baltika are still searching for consistency under their new manager this season. Can Zenit defend their title this season.
