Champions League: Zenit St. Petersburg keep round of 16 hopes alive with vital away win over Benfica

Zenit's players celebrate their goal against Benfica

Lisbon, Nov 27 Russian Premier League front-runners Zenit St. Petersburg gave themselves a realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive year after registering a vital 1-0 away win over Portuguese side Benfica at the Estádio da Luz here.

A 79th minute goal from Zenit's Portuguese mid-fielder Danny proved the difference between the two sides after a torrid encounter in which a total of six yellow cards were awarded Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

Zenit have moved temporarily into second place in Group C behind Bayer Leverkusen but will be awaiting the result of Leverkusen's clash with Monaco, who are two points behind Zenit with a game in hand.

Zenit will face Monaco at the Stade Louis II Dec 9.

For Benfica, the loss effectively seals their fate at the bottom of the group, although the club could still save face by finishing third with a win over Leverkusen in their final group match.