Akhmat played out a 1–1 draw with Baltika in their home fixture of Round 26 of the Russian Premier League.

 

The visitors took the lead early in the second half, with Derick Lacerda scoring in the 51st minute. Akhmat equalised nine minutes later thanks to an own goal by Kevina Andrade.

 

Head coach Stanislav Cherchesov shared his thoughts after the match and answered questions from journalists at the post-match press conference:

 

— We expected a tough game — Baltika are never an easy opponent. Credit to the players, we carried out our game plan. We conceded a soft goal and had to adjust. We then switched systems, it worked, and we got back into the game. We pushed for a winner right until the final whistle, but it ended 1–1.

 

— Did the lessons learned from the winter training camp match against Baltika prove useful?

 

— We also played them away earlier in the season. Naturally, there are always certain adjustments and nuances, and we saw that again today.

 

— How would you assess the team’s performance after the tactical switch?

 

— It wasn’t the first time we made that change. We did the same in the second-round match against Rubin, and it worked well then, just as it did today.

 

— What can you say about Ibishev’s performance after returning to the starting line-up?

 

— We evaluate the team as a whole rather than focusing on individuals. Turpal-Ali did well, and it’s no coincidence that the goal came through his involvement. We’ll analyse his performance in detail — there are always positives and areas to improve. Overall, we’re pleased with the team: after the Spartak game, we showed strong character and a real fighting spirit.

 

— Is there extra motivation to influence the title race in the upcoming match against Zenit?

 

— Our motivation is always the same — to improve with every game and finish the season on a strong note. Of course, ahead of the Zenit match there are certain aspects we need to work on, and we’ll do everything we can to address them.
 

Akhmat vs Baltika 1–1 (0–0)
 

23 April 2026. Kick-off: 19:45

Grozny, Akhmat Arena. Attendance: 4,612

Weather: +10°C, overcast

 

Referees: Kukulyak (Kaluga), Mukhtarov (Petrozavodsk), Bolotenkov (Moscow)

VAR: Zhabchenko (Krasnodar), Bulanov (Saransk)

 

Akhmat: Ulyanov, Tsake, Ndong, Bogosavac, Khlusevich (Pryakhin 57), Ibishev, Ismael (Zhemaletdinov 85), Kacintura, Sadulaev, Samorodov, Melkadze (Konate 85)

Head coach: Stanislav Cherchesov

 

Baltika: Kukushkin, Andrade, Filin, Varatynov, Mendel (Ryadno 71), I. Petrov (Belikov 46), Gassama, Beveev, M. Petrov (Yenne 81), Titkov (Murid 87), Lacerda (Manelov 81)

Head coach: Andrey Talalaev

 

Goals: Lacerda 51 (0–1), Andrade 60 (own goal, 1–1)

 

Bookings: Ndong 62, Bogosavac 90 — I. Petrov 32, Gassama 40, Belikov 65