UEFA Cup winner laments Zenit St. Petersburg’s 4-3 UEFA Champions League defeat against SL Benfica and urged the Russian outfit to win the Russian Premier League.
Zenit St. Petersburg crashed out of the UEFA Champions League after losing the return leg 2-0 against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SL-Benfica-c40542 at Estádio da Luz. Though Zenit managed to win the first leg 3-2 against the Eagles at Petrovsky stadium, they were
outplayed by the Portuguese outfit this time around.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ men started the European tie in confidence as they had scored 2 away goals earlier during the first leg in Russia.
They kept the Russian outfit at bay until they got a breakthrough before half time. The travelling fans were dealt with a blow when Benfica doubled their lead by scoring a late goal, thus confirming their place in the quarter-finals.
In the aftermath of the outcome, Zenit goalkeeper http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vyacheslav-Malafeev-c36502 has admitted that Benfica outplayed the Meshki by displaying quality football at their home stadium. He praised the opposition and assured the fans that they
put their maximum effort during the game.
Though Malafeev lamented their shocking exit from the European tournament, he was quick to admit that the Champions League experience will benefit the Russian outfit in the years to come.
“We started the match defensively; the opponents were very active on the field and most of the time they pushed us back to defence. We started the second period decently, controlled the ball with confidence.
“We have come a far way in this tournament. In addition, many of Zenit will play for the national team at Euro and they will benefit from this lovely experience. We will now try to win the Russian Premier League for our fans. Only
then can we consider this as a successful spring.” The Russian Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Adding further, Malafeev urged his teammates to concentrate on the domestic championship after drawing the latest tie 2-2 against CSKA Moscow.
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