Zenit St Petersburg 3 Benfica 2: Shirokov strikes late as Russians win thriller

Roman Shirokov struck twice to power Zenit St Petersburg to a 3-2 win over Benfica in freezing conditions in their Champions League last 16 first-leg tie.

The midfielder equalised for the Russian champions in the 27th minute with a low volley into the far corner shortly after Maxi Pereira had put the visitors ahead following a free kick, and he grabbed the winner two minutes from time.

Late drama: Roman Shirokov celebrates after scoring the winning goal

MATCH FACTS

Zenit St Petersburg: Zhevnov, Aniukov, Bruno Alves, Lombaerts, Hubocan, Denisov, Zyryanov, Shirokov, Kanunnikov, Kerzhakov, Faitzulin. Subs not used: Borodin, Rosina, Huszti, Lukovic, Semak, /02/15/article-2101666-11C0E707000005DC-276_634x474.jpg” width=”634″ height=”474″ alt=”Golden moment: Benfica took the lead after Maxi Pereira's strike” class=”blkBorder” />

Golden moment: Benfica took the lead after Maxi Pereira's strike

Going down: Benfica's Axel Witsel loses possession to Konstantin Zyryanov and Nicolas Lombaerts

Aerial battle: Tomas Hubocan fights for the ball against Rodrigo