Zenit St Petersburg kept alive their hopes of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday with a 1-0 win at home to Benfica.

The result also saw the Portuguese side exit the competition at the group stage for the third consecutive season.

The only goal of the game came on 79 minutes when Zenit captain Danny found the net with a first-time finish from inside the penalty area.

Benfica's night went from bad to worse in stoppage time as their skipper Luisao was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two teams in Russia.

Match statistics

ZENIT
Shots: 10
On target: 2
Possession: 50%
Corners: 5
Fouls: 18

BENFICA
Shots: 5
On target: 1
Possession: 50%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 18

Was the result fair?

Benfica will feel unlucky not to have come away from Russia with at least a share of the spoils, but a lack of incision in the final third ultimately cost the visitors. Meanwhile, Zenit remained dogged throughout and took their big chance when it came.

Zenit's performance

The hosts started the game positively, attacking Benfica through the likes of Hulk and Jose Rondon in advanced areas. However, they faded away before the break as Benfica took control of the game by holding on to the majority of possession. It was a similar story in the second half, with the away side forcing Zenit to sit deep and soak up a lot of pressure in and around their own penalty area. The Russians continued to do just that before they landed the sucker punch 11 minutes from time through their captain. Andre Villas-Boas would probably admit that his players performed well below their usual standards, but they did what they needed to do in order to maintain their hopes of progressing.

Benfica's performance

Following a slow start to the match, the visitors looked impressive in the first half thanks to a blend of measured passing and incisive movement. Their front players all linked well, with Nicolas Gaitan, Eduardo Salvio and Enzo Perez all linking well in the final third. They pushed on from there in the second half, making Zenit defend for their lives, but it was a lack of creativity and a lack of finishing that proved to be their downfall in the end. The Portuguese side made just five chances during the whole of the match, with only one of those being on target. With Benfica unable to convert their dominance into goals, Zenit were allowed to strike at the other end and win the game.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Danny: Zenit's captain proved to be the difference in the end, scoring the game's only goal late on. However, his contribution amounted to more than that. The midfielder was a model of tenacity and determination for the home side, working incredibly hard in central areas to keep the Russians difficult to break down.

Biggest gaffe

Benfica captain Luisao had a glorious chance to give the visitors the lead at the start of the second half when he found himself in some space inside the box, but the defender's woeful finish looked more like a cross than anything else.

Referee performance

Nicola Rizzoli had a difficult evening during what was a scrappy match in St Petersburg. The official from Italy was forced to stop the game at regular intervals due to the indiscipline of both sets of players. Most of his decisions were correct, while Benfica captain Luisao's red card in injury time was also spot on.

What next?

Zenit: The Russians continue their league campaign on Saturday when they travel to Mordovia Saransk.

Benfica: The Portuguese are back in league action on Saturday with a trip to Academica.