Zenit St. Petersburg 3 – Benfica 2 (Champions League last-16 1st leg, February 15, 2012) (Longer highlights.) Benfica took the lead in the 20th minute in freezing Russia as a Cardozo free-kick wasn’t dealt with by keeper Zhevnov and Maxi Pereira was able to gobble up the spoils from close range. Zenit appeared to wake up after conceding and they levelled in the 26th through a fabulous, guided volley from Roman Shirokov. With twenty minutes on the clock Zenit conjured up a brilliant second that involved a brilliant flick from Kerzhakov before Sergei Semak applied a final backheel kick on the swivel. Just as it looked like Zenit would see out the win, a terrible fumble from keeper Zhevnov in not stopping a Gaitan shot gifted Oscar Cardoso a late leveller for 2-2. Yet there was an incredible twist as Zenit refused to give up the winning mantle, and the impressive Roman Shirokov netted his 5th Champions League goal of the season for the winner.