The former Spartak Moscow player relishes Zenit St. Petersburg’s chances ahead of the UEFA Champions League return leg in Portugal.
In the upcoming UEFA Champions League return leg, Zenit St. Petersburg will play against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/SL-Benfica-c40542 at Estádio da Luz. Zenit managed to win the first leg 3-2 against the Portuguese outfit at Petrovsky stadium.
Though Zenit have a one-goal cushion ahead of the crunch European encounter, the away goal rule may decide the fate of the match.
The former Soviet League winner, Aleksandr Mostovoi, has warned Zenit to play defensive football in Lisbon despite their one-goal advantage. He admitted that the Russian outfit need to stop Benfica from scoring the opening goal
or else the Eagles will go through to the quarter-finals of the continental tournament.
Mostovoi went on to admit that Benfica are lacking confidence at the moment, having lost their place atop the league table to Porto after failing to win in their last three league games.
“A series of unsuccessful matches will not affect Benfica. They will try to seize the initiative by scoring at home.
“I think it is quite possible because both the teams are looking good physically. All the prerequisites to see a spectacle outdoor football on a good field with a noisy atmosphere in the stadium is there. And if Benfica play better
and faster game than anything can happen.” The Legends Cup winner was quoted as saying.
Benfica lost their second league match since the start of the Primeira Liga campaign 3-2 against Porto, after losing out to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Vitória-c40906 Sport Clube earlier this season.
The former Strasbourg player urged the Meshki to take advantage of their slump in form. He tipped them to defeat the Portuguese outfit at home.
“Zenit are still not the team to rely more on defence. Their significant trump card is their attacking options, playing on a good field in Lisbon.” Mostovoi said.
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