In the first Group Stage UEFA Champions League match Zenit played against Benfica in Portugal.

The match ended with win of the Russian team – 2:0.

The result of the match was fixed in the first half. Hulk scored the quick opener, a little bit later the goalkeeper of the hosts was sent off and only 10 players remained on the pitch. Teams went to the dressing rooms in the halftime with 0:2 on the scoreboard. After the corner kick Witsel showed his best. In the second half the score did not change and Zenit won in the first match of the UEFA Champions League Group Stage for the first time in its history

Russian Football Premier League would like to congratulate Zenit on its win and to wish them to show a successful performance in UEFA Champions League.

Benfica (Portugal) – Zenit (Russia) – 0:2 (0:2)

Goals: Hulk, 5 (0:1). Witsel, 22 (0:2).

Benfica (Lisbon): Artur, Pereira, Luisao, Jardel, Eliseu, Salvio, Perez, Samaris (Andre Almeida, 74), Gaitan, Anderson (Lopes, 20), Lima (Derley, 74).

Zenit (St.Petersburg): Lodygin, Smolnikov (Anyukov, 46), Lombaerts, Garay, Criscito, Shatov, Javier Garcia, Danny, Hulk (Arshavin, 85), Witsel, Rondon (Mogilevets, 76).

Cautioned: Pereira, 60. Javier Garcia, 65.

Sent off: Artur, 18.

Referee: Moen (Norway).

16 September. Lisbon. Estadio da Luz.