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UEFA Champions League first half report: Benfica vs. Zenit St. Petersburg

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The Reds took on Russian giants Zenit at the Luzhniki Stadium in what turned out to be a closely contested first half with both sides canceling each other out in a 1-1 score line.
Benfica were arguably the stronger team coming into the game but the severe winter in Moscow tipped things in favour of the Meshki.
However http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Maxi-Pereira-c25004 continued where the Argentine left off and exchanged a neat one-two with Spanish striker Rodrigo only to see the return ball being intercepted by Zenit in the 9th minute.
The Lisbon giants then went on the back foot as Luisao earned a yellow card for his challenge on Faizulin, before http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-Alves-c8108 tackle. The former Real Madrid man has been one of the star performers for Benfica this term and despite the injury returned to the action after treatment.
Belgian International http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Axel-Witsel-c7029 was having a bad day at the office by his standards in the heart of the team’s midfield. But it was his efforts which made the difference as he earned a free-kick on the 20th minute.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo stepped up to whip it in and although the shot should have been easily claimed by Zhevnov, the shot-stopper failed to gather and Maxi Pereira profited.
Zenit looked to pounce early and nearly got back on level terms immediately after the restart; however a superb piece of goalkeeping from Artur prevented Kerzhakov from scoring and undid their flowing move.
While the Benfica glove man was able to keep his side from conceding that time, he wasn’t able to stop Shirokov’s brilliant effort on the 26th minute, which was made with an equally sensational pass from Hubocan.
The Eagles had further blow to deal with after getting pulled back on level terms, as Rodrigo was unable to continue and had to replaced by http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Pablo-Aimar-c28938.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Russia-c2991’s extreme winter was taking its toll on the players and it was evident that the cold was responsible for making simple knocks and kicks more agonizing after Anyukov had to be carried off following a routine collision with his goalkeeper.
If Zenit were cursing their luck with injuries, then http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Artur-c6727 cleanly beaten.
While things remained level at the break, it was the home side who were in ascendency and had a done a lot of running without the score board truly reflecting on their hard work.

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