Benfica beat Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 on the night, and 3-1 on aggregate, to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time since 2012.
Rui Vitoria's side recorded a 16th victory in 17 matches thanks to Nicolas Gaitan's 86th minute header and substitute Talisca's emphatic finish with the final kick of the match.
After a forgettable first half, Hulk had given Zenit the initiative on 67 minutes by levelling the score on aggregate with a header from Yuri Zhirkov's cross.
Andre Villas-Boas' side seemed in control and on course for a second goal that would take then to the last eight of the Champions League for the first time in their history, until Gaitan scored a crucial away goal with a header into an open goal after Zenit goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin had only tipped Raul Jimenez's long-range effort onto the post.
And as the Russians chased two unlikely late goals, Talisca secured victory on the night with a fine drilled finish.
-
Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Our hashtag is #JoySports
Latest Stories
-
Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network urges governments to increase investment in agriculture
4 hours -
AU and partners urge youth to get involved in efforts to transform continent’s food systems
4 hours -
Fire kills 3-year-old at Asawase-Dagomba Line in Ashanti Region
4 hours -
Paskal A.B. Rois: How Mahama inspires me
5 hours -
Complete abandoned projects in Akatsi North District – Chiefs to Mahama
5 hours -
Painter and sculptor B. Acheampong turning his passion for art into profitable venture
5 hours -
Presidential lodge, RM residency in Ashanti region left to rot away
6 hours -
Herty Corgie highlights the essence of gratefulness in ‘My Gratitude’
8 hours -
ANNOUNCEMENT: Joy FM temporarily goes off air January 11
8 hours -
Yango honored with two titles at the Technovation Africa Awards 2024
8 hours -
Aowin Traditional Council declares war on illegal mining with spiritual intervention
8 hours -
Leadership must ensure equity for all citizens, regardless of faith – Asiedu Nketiah
8 hours -
Prof. Alex Manu appointed Executive Director at Centre for Social Justice
8 hours -
Imminent changes within some key security agencies, state institutions, and its implications
8 hours -
There are more women than men, but there’s a man for every woman – Rev. Nana Yaa
9 hours