Goals from Hulk and Axel Witsel helped Zenit St Petersburg get their UEFA Champions League campaign off to the perfect start as they beat 10-man SL Benfica 2-0 away on Tuesday.
Hulk put the visitors 1-0 up after five minutes and things quickly went from bad to worse for Benfica, whose goalkeeper Artur was sent off, before Witsel doubled the lead with a header midway through the first half.
Zenit coach Andre Villas-Boas named arguably his strongest side, with central defender Ezequiel Garay, and midfielders Witsel and Javi Garcia lining up against their former club.
Photo: Reuters
Zenit had a chance to open the scoring in only the second minute as Hulk unleashed a dangerous strike across goal which Oleg Shatov was just centimeters away from turning into the net.
It was not long before the away fans were celebrating, though, as Hulk finished with aplomb after being picked out by an excellent pass from Shatov.
Zenit had a chance to double their lead on 10 minutes when Hulk hit a free-kick which goalkeeper Artur could only parry, before the goalkeeper received his marching orders eight minutes later for bringing down Danny outside the penalty area.
Photo: EPA
Paulo Lopes was brought on to replace him and one of his first tasks was to pick the ball out of the net as Witsel rose highest in the penalty area to head home a corner.
Benfica had an opportunity to reduce the deficit after the break when Luisao went close with a header, but Zenit goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin showed good agility to save.
Hulk could have killed the game off a minute later, but his shot from an acute angle hit the post, while Jose Rondon also had a chance after being put through on goal, yet was unable to find the back of the net.
Zenit next host AS Monaco on Oct. 1, while Benfica visit Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
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