The lowdown The Russian champions have not been as solid domestically as they were when they won the title in 2014/15. But in Europe they have found their swagger, and they would see Benfica as one of the more preferable possible opponents at the last-16 stage. The Portuguese, who will host Zenit just after their top-of-the-table domestic meeting with Porto, have a strong home record in Europe and two Europa League final appearances in the last four seasons. Zenit can take confidence from having won at the Luz in the group phase of last season's Uefa Champions League.
Key players
Axel Witsel, Zenit Became one of Zenit's trophy signings when the club hired him from Benfica during an eye-catching splurge on expensive recruits in 2012. He remains one of the game's most admired central midfielders.
Jonas, Benfica The wiry Brazilian striker, signed from Valencia in 2014, is a candidate for the Golden Shoe thanks to his glut of domestic goals. His confidence is high coming into the tie.
Points to prove
Andre Villas-Boas, Zenit The much travelled, still youthful coach will leave Zenit at the end of the season, hopeful of landing the same calibre of prestigious job he has held in the past – the likes of Porto, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur. An extended run in Europe will burnish his reputation. His Porto past guarantees a raucous greeting from "benfiquistas".
Julio Cesar, Benfica The veteran Brazilian goalkeeper, 36, won the Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010. Since then he has suffered some downturns, notably when he languished as a reserve choice at English club Queen's Park Rangers. Hopes to show that, in elite company, he still has his sharp reflexes.
Verdict Zenit to go through, thanks to their result in the Russian leg.
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