AC Milan have scored twice in the opening half to lead Zenit St. Petersburg 2-1 at the interval of their Champions League Group C clash in Russia.

It was the home side that started the match the stronger with a spell of possession in midfield, but Milan striker Bojan tested the palms of Vyacheslav Malafeev after five minutes.

Zenit had a half-chance to take the lead five minutes later when Vladimir Bystrov struck from outside the box, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar.

Milan took the lead after 13 minutes, however, when Urby Emanuelson's free kick was deflected past Malafeev by Roman Shirokov.

Meanwhile, Milan added their second three minutes later when Stephan El Shaarawy pounced on a loose ball inside the box to fire home from close range.

The home side had a series of long-range efforts as the half approached its latter stages, but they opened their account just before the break when Hulk finished from close range.