“Zenith” beat “Standard” in the first leg of Champions League qualification – Russian Newspaper

St. Petersburg “Zenith” has made another step towards the Champions League group stage. Team Andre Villas-Boas under the decisive round of qualifying for the check-out beat “Standard” from Liege – 1: 0. Goal in the 16th minute to Oleg Shatov.

Financial Opportunities vice-champions of Russia and Belgium are so different that even the head coach, “Standard de” Guy Luzon did not believe in his team completely.

– “Zenith” – it’s just another level. Frankly, they are comparable to the top five teams of the English Premier League. Our chances to pass such a rival – five percent, no more. Our teams simply can not be compared. In the “Zenith” is simply no weaknesses, even on the bench – reasoned 39-year-old Israeli expert before the match.

To be honest, rarely hear like, instead of the usual cliches “equal chances” and “we will play to win. ” Luzon can understand – all of the “Standard de”, according to the portal tranfermarkt.de, worth 42 million euros, and only one Hulk “Zenith” – 48 million.

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The Belgians, by the way, was lucky that the first leg through suspension could not play their own pupil, now a key midfielder Axel Witsel Petrograd. Incidentally, he still flew with the team and watched the match from the stands, in the company of family and friends, whom he had in Liege abound.

Sami stands, meanwhile, were half-empty. Obviously, the success of the “Standard de” did not quite believe his fans. “Zenith” predictably seized the initiative from the first minute, making vigorous attacks on another penalty. Particularly zealous Hulk, who “cheat” one opponent after another.

The Belgians fought for exactly 15 minutes, and then missed. Hulk left prostelil and closed transfer Oleg Shatov – 1: 0. Away goal – is a big deal.

And the early success of “Zenith” several podrasslabil. Pitertsy continued to hold the ball, but the dangerous moments created little. The very real opportunity to double the advantage in stoppage time to the first half missed Rondon, left on the field as a lone striker. His shot reflected the crossbar.

In the second half, the hosts stepped up, and began to seriously threaten the goal Lodygina. Several times Yuri team did save after error defense. But the “Zenith” enough chances to excel. Why is only one shot Danny on 70 minutes that shook the post.

In the end of Andre Villas-Boas gave play Ryazantsev and Soloviev, and “Standard” remembered a good shot under the crossbar Louis in the 85th minute, but Lodygin was in place.

“Zenith” has shown very meaningful football, could count on a more convincing advantage, but limited victory with a minimum score. However, in light of the fact that the second match will be held on August 26 “Petrovsky” stadium in St. Petersburg, this result could be described as good.