FC Sochi — Baltika : Match Preview and Prediction for August 24,2025

Sochi’s Pre-Season Overhaul and Performance

This offseason saw FC Sochi undertake a significant squad overhaul, yet these changes have unfortunately not benefited the “Leopards.” Roberto Moreno’s team currently appears uncoordinated and lackluster, making their four defeats in the last five rounds seem entirely justified. Significant issues are evident within the Sochi squad: their attack has managed to score only three goals, ranking among the weakest in the league. Concurrently, their defense concedes an average of three goals per match, another league-worst statistic. Adding to Sochi’s woes, their key center-back Marcelo received a red card. Essentially, the “Blue-Orange” side has only just returned to the Russian Premier League (RPL), but with their current performance, they face a very real threat of quickly descending back to the FNL (National Football League). It’s also worth noting that Sochi remains the only team in the tournament without a single victory.

Baltika’s Impressive Return to the RPL

Baltika has been a genuine pleasure to watch this new season. The “White-Blues” have made a successful return to the RPL, and their current record—two wins and three draws at the start of the season—can be considered a respectable achievement. Even powerhouse Lokomotiv Moscow couldn’t overcome Andrei Talalaev’s resilient team, settling for a 1-1 draw. It’s particularly noteworthy that the Kaliningrad squad faced a demanding and packed schedule, yet they navigated these challenges with remarkable fortitude, effectively “passing through fire and water.” Furthermore, Baltika showcases an impressive attacking prowess, complemented by a solid defense, reflected in their 9:5 goal difference. It’s clear we’re witnessing a strong mid-table contender, prepared to comfortably defeat struggling teams and challenge the league leaders.