St. Petersburg, November 27 – R-Sport, Taras Barabash. St. Petersburg “Zenith” beat Lisbon “Benfica” in a match of the 5th round of the group stage of the Champions League, guaranteeing himself at least a place in the playoffs the Europa League.
The meeting, which was held in St. Petersburg at the stadium “Petrovsky” November 26 ended with the score 1: 0 in favor of the home team. The only goal scored in the account of the Portuguese Miguel Danny.
“Important victory took place. In the first half, controlled the game in the second half, the opponent was 15 minutes, when they attacked and squeezed” Zenith “. But the remaining 30 minutes we controlled the game. It was important balance, all decided by one goal. The team which scores, would have won, “- said after the match, head coach of the Russian vice-champions Andre Villas-Boas.
What awaits” Zknit “: Champions League or Europa League?
The team Villas-Boas, scored seven points in five rounds, guaranteed themselves at least third place in Group C, which gives the right to participate in the 1/16 finals of the Europa League. However, the “blue-white-blue” is still in the hunt for one of the two first places that bring the 1/8 finals of the Champions League.
to block the path to the playoffs, “Zenith” may Leverkusen “Bayer” and “Monaco”. With Monegasques Zenit will play Dec. 9 on the road. The stadium “Louis II” decide the fate of the team, and the fans will get the answer to the question will the “Zenith” for the second year in a row to play in the Champions League in the spring. St. Petersburg team will arrange a victory. After playing with the “Benfica” Russian national team midfielder Oleg Shatov said that Zenit do not want to even think about the second-largest European Cup tournament.
“We’ll go to France only thought about winning. It is necessary to enter the field to concentrate, play with full dedication. This is the last game of the season, it is necessary to put every effort to once again give the joy of football fans. We have the blood from his nose to win – said Shatov. – I bring the joy of victory, “Zenith” with any account, be it 1 : 0, 2: 0 and 6: 2. The main thing – it is a victory. And the bonus. “Zenith” only wants to play in the Champions League. Do not even think about the Europa League, forget about it “.
” Benfica “after the defeat in St. Petersburg lost chances of one of the two first places. “The main thing was the desire – to leave the group. But the goal will not be realized,” – said Jesus, whose team is in any case remain in fourth place in the group.
The realization price of one error
Before the meeting, the fifth round of the Russian and Portuguese clubs have in the asset by four points, so the match at “Petrovsky” was to be decisive for the “Zenith”, and for “Benfica”. Leverkusen “Bayer” with nine points felt very confident on the top of the table, ahead of team Villas-Boas, JESUS and “Monaco”, which had a credit five points. The winner of the match in St. Petersburg remained a real chance of reaching the group. At the same time, players from both teams knew that one mistake can put an end to the dreams of continuing ligochempionskoy campaign, and therefore act with extreme caution.
After the match JESUS acknowledged that the meeting decided the fate of one episode. “The team played to win, showed resistance, but decided one goal. There were two opportunities to score, unfortunately, they were not implemented. In the Champions League you need to complete the moment, if it does not, the fate punishes. Danny realized his opportunity, we – no “- JESUS said.
Frosty Petersburg weather and packed to fan-made” banked “drove home side the lead, but the guests did not think shade:” Benfica “played clearly and strongly behind, at the first opportunity to conduct sharp sharp attack on the gate Yuri Lodygina. Fans did not fill the “Peter” to the eyeballs – deterred many cold. On the approaches to the stadium dealers offer tickets at face value, and even willing to make allowances for the last time in 2014, enjoy the match of the Champions League in St. Petersburg.
Portuguese goal of “Zenith”
Guests are very actively started the second half, the players, “Benfica” possessed an advantage, but realize it does not work. Zenit could hardly contain the onslaught, but not plunged into depression command Villas-Boas even losses due to injuries Nicolas Lombaerts and Javi Garcia. Belgian in the first half was replaced by an unstable Luís Neto, the Spaniard in the second – Victor Fayzulin. “Zenith” to handle the pressure, “Benfica” and with new force began to storm the gates of Julio Cesar.
The end came in the 79th minute. Who made his name playing in the “Port” Hulk, not greedy, shot in the penalty – and the Portuguese national team midfielder Danny shot under the crossbar, leaving out of business Cesar. This goal will not only greatly increase the chances of “Zenith” to withdraw from the group, but also raised the mood Danny, rumors about the resignation of the team which did not occur in a vacuum: Miguel has not yet received an offer of a contract extension with the “blue-white-blue.”
After the match, Villas-Boas did not answer the question of whether to ask management to extend the contract with Danny. “Every time the same question. The coach decides he can express desire. Work is carried out with the club, we will see results,” – said the coach.
Villas-Boas said contribution Substitute Oleg Shatov. “With the ability to attack the players we managed to win. Out Shatova helped to undermine the defense of” Benfica “- he said.
This victory was for” Zenith “the first two years the” Petrovsky “in the Champions League. Midfielder Axel Witsel stressed that the “blue-white-blue” have earned it by right. “For us the match with the” Benfica “was important before the game with” Monaco “, – said Witsel. – In the end, we did everything to score, and realized his chance. “Zenith” won well-deserved victory. Now we are in a good position in the group “.
The result of the match provided” Bayer “, later on Wednesday conceded houses” Monaco “, out of the group at least from the second place.” Benfica “, losing three Petrograd points, is definitely not overtake them as lost in both personal meetings. A “Monaco” and “Zenith” in France now define a second tour in the spring holder Champions League.
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