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.

Dick Advocaat is to replace fellow Dutchman Guus Hiddink as Russia coach, the Russian federation (RFS) confirmed today.

ARSENAL star Andrey Arshavin has admitted that he continues to dream of playing for Barcelona, saying that to do so for just one season “would be the pinnacle of my career’’.

Hip-hop star Snoop Dogg was slapped with a seven-year-old lawsuit on Wednesday - as he performed onstage in front of fans.