Zenit St Petersburg secured a narrow advantage in their Champions League last-16 tie against Benfica as Roman Shirokov’s brace helped the hosts to a hard-fought win at a frigid Stadion Petrovskiy last night.

HE may have called a halt to the celebrations at the end of last night’s win in Zilina — but Russia coach Dick Advocaat must know Euro 2012 qualification is all but certain now.

Liam Lawrence failed a fitness test on a leg injury today so Keith Fahey started tonight’s Euro 2012 qualifier in Zilina in midfield as one of two changes for the Republic of Ireland from Friday’s 3-2 defeat by Russia.

SLOVAKIA rounded off their Group D campaign with a resounding win over minnows San Marino.