Zenit St Petersburg have given themselves a chance of making the last 16 of the Champions League after a narrow victory over 10-man Benfica in Russia.
In a cagey first half, Zenit's best chance came from Hulk's rasping free kick on six minutes, which keeper Julio Cesar could only parry, but the hosts were unable to capitalise from the rebound.
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Benfica, who started the game one point behind second-placed Monaco, tried to forge a lead before half time when Eduardo Salvio latched on to Nicolas Gaitan's cross, but the Argentine midfielder was denied by a reflex save from Yuri Lodygin.
Andre Villas Boas's team may feel that they should have edged in front just after the hour mark when a surging run from Danny down the left flank provided Hulk with the chance to shoot only for the Brazilian forward to get the ball stuck under his feet at the crucial moment.
The former Porto man tried to break the deadlock from another free kick on 76 minutes, but his speculative failed to trouble Julio Cesar.
However, the home side finally found a way through moments later when Danny latched on to Hulk's cross before dispatching a first-time finish beyond the reach of the Benfica keeper.
The Portuguese side's push for a late equaliser was hindered when Luisao was sent off in stoppage time for second bookable offence.
Zenit held on for a victory, which moves them ahead of Monaco for the time being while Benfica are out of the competition and only have a possible Europa League place to play for in their final game.
Chris O'Keefe
