Only two rounds remain in the MIR Russian Premier League, but much remains uncertain. Krasnodar and Zenit are locked in a golden race for the title, while Lokomotiv clings to bronze despite struggling to pick up points. Their rivals are breathing down their necks. At the bottom, seven teams risk relegation playoffs or direct elimination to the FNL. Remarkably, the intrigue persists across all fronts.
As is tradition, we present the schedule while keeping an eye on injuries, current suspensions, and potential disciplinary issues.
**Round 29**
**10 May 2026, Sunday, 12:30 MSK**
**Orenburg 1 : 0 Krylya Sovetov**
Bolotov 23′
Recently, it seemed both teams would battle near the direct relegation zone, but over the past few weeks they have improved their standings. Samara has even climbed out of the playoff zone, while Orenburg remains there, trailing their upcoming opponent by three points.
In the previous round, Ildar Akhmetzyanov’s side lost to Sochi (1–3). It’s hard to win when one player—Kirill Kravtsov—scores a hat trick. Orenburg was lucky that rivals Akron, Dinamo Makhachkala, and Pari NN also lost.
Under Sergei Bulatov, Krylya have looked livelier: wins over Lokomotiv and Spartak revived hopes of survival. However, they are traditionally weaker away, with just one victory on the road all season. If Krylya lose their next match, they will drop below Orenburg in the table.
Neither team has any suspended players. However, Orenburg faces Krasnodar on the final matchday, so Jordi Thompson, Fahd Moufi, Irakliy Kvekveskiri, and Aleksey Tataev must avoid bookings. Samara ends the season with a regional derby against Akron, and several players are at risk: Amar Rahmanovic, Kirill Pechenin, Fernando Costanza, Nikolai Rasskazov, Jimmy Marin, and Vladimir Khubulov.
**10 May 2026, Sunday, 15:00 MSK**
**Zenit 2 : 1 Sochi**
Fyodorov 31′ (0:1), Enrique 59′ (1:1), Yerokhin 84′ (2:1)
The situation is clear: Zenit must win their upcoming match and hope for a slip from Krasnodar. Historically, Zenit have a good record against Sochi, with only one loss—back in 2021. Yes, the St. Petersburg side dropped points against Orenburg earlier this spring, but a repeat seems unlikely, especially with the match at home.
Sochi, meanwhile, still have mathematical chances of survival. The minimum requirement is three points from their two remaining games, along with losses from Makhachkala and Nizhny Novgorod. Strategically, Sochi probably don’t expect points in St. Petersburg, instead focusing on their final match against Akhmat.
Looking ahead to Round 30, caution is needed for Kirill Kravtsov, Sergei Volkov, Aleksandr Soldatenkov, and Anton Zinkovsky, who each have three yellow cards. Zenit will finish the season in Rostov, and several players are close to suspension: Wendel, Nino, John John, Aleksandr Sobolev, Wilmar Barrios, Vanja Drkusic, and Mantuan.
**10 May 2026, Sunday, 17:15 MSK**
**Akhmat 1 : 1 Dinamo Mkh**
Azzi 38′ (0:1), Kenzhebek 83′ (1:1)
This is a do-or-die match for Makhachkala, though every game in the spring part of the season has felt that way. Dinamo sit 14th, three points off the safety of 12th place, but their priority is avoiding direct relegation. A loss in Grozny could push them closer to the drop zone.
Akhmat are ninth and fully comfortable after beating Pari NN. With no pressure, they can play freely. Theoretically, a top-eight finish is still possible, though it would require a strong finish.