Sochi faced a difficult journey ahead of their match against Zenit. Just before their planned trip to St. Petersburg, airspace in southern Russia was closed. The team traveled by train, bus, and high-speed Sapsan to reach the north. While the restrictions were lifted on their travel day, the uncertainty made the journey unpredictable. After over 24 hours on the road, the team arrived late Saturday evening, with the match scheduled for the next day.
Zenit, meanwhile, had a calm week of preparation after being eliminated from the Cup. Celebrations for May 9th took place as planned, and it was also announced that Mikhail Kerzhakov would end his career. He was included in the matchday squad, and a symbolic farewell ceremony was planned after the game for Zenit’s most decorated player.
Russian Premier League – Round 29
May 10, 2026, Sunday – 3:00 PM MSK
Zenit (Saint Petersburg) – Final Score: 2:1 – Sochi (Sochi)
0:1 – Fyodorov (31′)
1:1 – Henrique (59′)
2:1 – Erokhin (84′)
Sema returned Mantuan to the starting lineup after his injury recovery, while the rest of the side remained familiar. Osinkin made more changes: Ilyin, Ignatov, Yezhov, Volkov, and Magal (all played against Orenburg) were absent. Only Magal was available from that group; the others did not travel to St. Petersburg. The lineups were:
Zenit: Adamov, Santos, Nino, Diveyev, Barrios, Wendel, Henrique, Mantuan, Sobolev, Glushenkov, Pedro
Sochi: Degtev, Soldatenkov, Litvinov, Makarchuk, Zaika, Marcelo, Kravtsov, Mukhin, Kovalenko, Vasilyev, Fyodorov
As expected, Zenit controlled the opening stages. With the title race still open, only a victory was acceptable. Sochi defended resolutely for the first 10 minutes, but then chances started coming. Sobolev had a good shot, but Marcelo’s slight interference sent the ball just wide. Glushenkov then blasted a shot onto the crossbar. A goal seemed inevitable.
CSKA and Baltika lost their bronze hopes, Sochi were relegated, and Zenit were saved by Erokhin
In the 13th minute, Fyodorov fouled Glushenkov in the box, and the referee awarded a penalty. Henrique and Sobolev argued over who would take it, with the Brazilian winning the debate. But his shot hit the crossbar instead of the net.
Zenit kept pressing, but Sochi’s defense and Degtev held firm. Around the 25th minute, the visitors began to push forward. Mukhin and Fyodorov had chances, and Zenit were fortunate to survive. But luck ran out in the 31st minute when Zakhar Fyodorov outjumped Nino to score his first RPL goal.
This did not anger Zenit; instead, it left them stunned. The team suddenly looked lost and created no real chances before halftime. Neither Sema nor Osinkin made substitutions at the break. Zenit’s pressure continued, but they struggled to convert it into clear opportunities.
On the 56th minute, Sobolev missed another chance. He fought hard as always, but it wasn’t helping. However, a few minutes later, things got easier for the hosts. Glushenkov’s pass found an unmarked Henrique, who stepped into space and equalized, redeeming himself for the missed penalty.
But that was not enough. Sema brought on Mostovoy and Vega, and later Erokhin and Kondakov, but Zenit still couldn’t dominate completely. They had around 80% possession, but Sochi never looked lost under pressure.
Then came the 85th minute. Zenit earned a corner, and in the scramble, the ball reached Erokhin, who slotted it home from a meter out. It was yet another late rescue from the veteran.