Zenit undone by Benfica’s double blast

Benfica produced a dynamic performance to overturn a first-leg deficit against Zenit St Petersburg and earn a place in the last eight of the Champions League last night.

The Portuguese team trailed 3-2 from the first match but they attacked the Russian outfit from the off and, even when Maxi Pereira’s goal in first-half injury-time put them on course to win on away goals, the Eagles pushed on until Nelson Oliveira secured the outright win in the 92nd minute.

A quiet opening saw Nicolas Gaitan’s shot the only moment of interest, as the Benfica midfielder’s left-footed effort from the edge of the box was blocked by Nicolas Lombaerts.