Benfica edges Zenit 1-0 in Champions League with late goal
Posted February 16, 2016 6:00 am
LISBON, Portugal (AP) - Jonas scored in added time to give Benfica a dramatic 1-0 win over 10-man Zenit St. Petersburg in the Champions League on Tuesday, heading home a free kick awarded after Domenico Criscito was shown a red card for the visitors.
Brazilian striker Jonas, Benfica's and the Portuguese league's top scorer, netted for the 26th time this season with a glancing header from a free kick in 91st minute.
That was awarded after Criscito picked up his second yellow card of the game for a foul on Andre Almeida.
Neither team really shone in the first leg, last 16 game at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon, though the win spared Benfica what looked likely to be a goalless draw and a tough time in Russia.
Benficaâs Jardel jumps for the ball with Zenit's Axel Witsel during a Champions League Round of 16 first leg soccer match between Benfica and Zenit at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
Zenit's Oleg Shatov tries to beat Benfica goalkeeper Julio Cesar during a Champions League Round of 16 first leg soccer match between Benfica and Zenit at Benfica's Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)
The Associated Press
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