Zenit St. Petersburg defender http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-Alves-c8108 claims that despite his side’s injury concerns, they have the talent to beat Benfica in the UEFA Champions League.
The Russian giants have been drawn with http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-c19120 Jesus’ men, who have been a surprise package in this year’s edition.
Benfica were placed in a relatively tough group alongside Manchester United, but the Lisbon side overcame the Premier League champions and even managed to top the group.
With the likes of Nicolas Gaitan, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 Cardozo in their ranks, they are a true force to be reckoned with and will provide stiff competition to Zenit when the two teams go head-to-head.
The Meshki have the home advantage in the first leg, but face a arduous task, as most of their main players are going to be on the sidelines for this one.
Portuguese midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Danny-c10193 Miguel is out for the rest of the campaign with ruptured knee cruciate ligaments, while starting goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeyev and defender Domenico Criscito are suffering from a leg injury and a stomach infection respectively.
However despite the number of injuries at the helm, former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Porto-c39186 man Bruno Alves believes that his side can qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Benfica.
Speaking to reporters, the Seleccao International said that while the opponents were a tough side, he had unwavering belief in his teammates and that they could win the two-legged affair.
"Benfica are a strong team. However, I think they fit us perfectly as opponents. I believe Zenit will qualify for the next round.”
He also commented that since they had comfortably beaten the reigning Primeira Liga champions, the Eagles should not prove to be much of a hindrance in their bid to make it to the latter stages of the tournament.
"We already beat 3-0 Porto in the group stage. Porto are Portuguese champions and they are now stronger than Benfica. I hope we can achieve our target of advancing into the next round,” Alves was quoted saying.
Zenit St. Petersburg play Benfica at home on the 15th of February, while the return leg takes place at the Stadium of Light on the 6th of March.
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