Zenit St Petersburg overcame a second-half fightback from Valencia to win 3-2 in tonight's Champions League tie.
Zenit took control of the game early and were rewarded with a quick goal as Danny led a counter-attack before playing in Hulk, who fired home from the edge of the area.
Alex Witsel looked to double the lead when he sent a shot straight down Jaume Domenech's throat before the Frenchman did well to parry a long-range Hulk drive.
The Brazilian then narrowly missed with a lob from 45 yards out, before smashing in an unstoppable effort from some distance to give his side a comfortable two-goal lead at the break.
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Paco Alcacer came on at half time and nearly made an instant impact for the Spaniards, but his slick finish was ruled out for offside. Joao Cancelo did manage to get a goal back for Valencia though, firing in from a tight angle amidst a strong spell of pressure for the hosts.
Dani Parejo volleyed wide before the Spaniards grabbed a deserved equaliser, substitute Andre Gomes finding too much of a gap between goalkeeper Yuri Lodigin and his near post.
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Zenit and Witsel retook the lead just two minutes later though, the midfielder firing in a low drive from just outside the box to give his team the victory on matchday one.
The Russians will host Belgian side Gent in their next Champions League fixture on September 29.
Calum Gillon
