Benfica will travel to Russia on Wednesday to face Zenit St. Petersburg in the second leg in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League. Although, Benfica currently are leading on 1-0 aggregate, competing against Zenit has not been easy for Benfica. During the 2011/12 Champions League Quarter Finals stages, Benfica lost 3-2. During the 2014/15 Group Stages of the Champions League Benfica travelled to Russia and lost 1-0. Benfica have also failed to gain victories in Russia against such teams as; CSKA Moscow (2005 UEFA Cup) and Spartak Moscow (2012/13 UEFA Champions League)
Benfica who sits in first place in the Portuguese Liga NOS faces Zenit St. Petersburg who sits fifth place in the Russian Premier League. A win or draw will get Benfica onto the Quarter - Finals of the UEFA Champions League. Zenit playing at home will definitely have an advantage over the Eagles. Zenit playing in cold winter temperatures is something in which Benfica may not be accustom to. Coach Andre Villas Boas, has had several victories in the past over Benfica. For the most part, a majority of the Zenit players are either former Benfica players or have played against Benfica in the Portuguese League.
Another disadvantage going into Russia is Benfica's injury list and absentee's. Julio Cesar, Jardel and Lisandro Lopez are key players in the Benfica starting 11 missing in action and for Benfica to advance onto the Quarter - Finals will be hard considering that they are relying on such inexperienced players as; Ederson, Grimaldo and Ruben Dias to get them there.
Benfica are going into Russia with momentum and confidence especially after taking first place in the Portuguese Liga by defeating Lisbon rivals Sporting CP over the weekend, The task at hand appears to be against their favour but scoring one away goal or maintaining a draw may not as difficult as it seems for Benfica. If Benfica are able to advance they will be awarded €6,000,000 adding to their current champions league earnings of over €22,000,000.
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