2 October 2019 at 19:00
Match Summary
Zenit Saint Petersburg defeated Benfica 3:1. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2019. Goals were scored by A. Dzyuba 21′, Rúben Dias 70′ (o.g.), S. Azmoun 78′, Raúl de Tomás 85′. 1 yellow cards were shown. Zenit Saint Petersburg had 43% possession while Benfica held 57%. Zenit Saint Petersburg had 17 shots (6 on target) compared to 18 (7 on target) for Benfica. Zenit Saint Petersburg made 3 substitutions, Benfica made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Zenit Saint Petersburg and Benfica — 4 goals and 1 cards recorded during the match.
assist: M. Ozdoev
Own Goal
assist: M. Ozdoev
Match Statistics
Zenit Saint Petersburg had 43% possession against Benfica's 57%. Zenit Saint Petersburg registered 17 shots (6 on target) while Benfica managed 18 (7 on target). Corner kicks: 4–9. Fouls committed: 11–7.
Lineups
Zenit Saint Petersburg lined up in a 4-4-2 formation under S. Semak, while Benfica deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Bruno Lage.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Zenit Saint Petersburg is 7.18, compared to 6.70 for Benfica. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Zenit Saint Petersburg's highest-rated starter is W. Barrios (7.27), while Benfica's best-rated player is Rafa Silva (6.70).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Zenit Saint Petersburg have contributed 1 goals and 1 assists this season, led by Douglas Santos (1G). Benfica's starters account for 1 goals and 0 assists, spearheaded by Rafa Silva (1G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Zenit Saint Petersburg deploy 4 defenders rated 7.10 on average, against Benfica's 4-man backline averaging —. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Zenit Saint Petersburg field 4 midfielders averaging 7.27, versus Benfica's 5 rated 6.70. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Zenit Saint Petersburg start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Benfica averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 84% for Zenit Saint Petersburg and 80% for Benfica. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Zenit Saint Petersburg's starters have collected 4 yellow cards this season, compared to 0 for Benfica. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Zenit Saint Petersburg's starting XI is 31.5 (youngest: Douglas Santos (31), oldest: W. Barrios (32)), while Benfica average 32.0 (youngest: Rafa Silva (32), oldest: Rafa Silva (32)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Zenit Saint Petersburg's starters average 22 league appearances each, versus 2 for Benfica. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: S. Semak
Substitutes
Coach: Bruno Lage
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Zenit Saint Petersburg have recorded 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 defeats. Benfica show 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Benfica
Zenit Saint Petersburg vs Benfica Head to Head Results
Zenit Saint Petersburg and Benfica have met 7 times — Zenit Saint Petersburg won 3, Benfica won 4, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Benfica leads the head-to-head with 4 victories from 7 meetings. A combined 17 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.43 per match (7 for the home side, 10 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 2 matches (29%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (43%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Benfica are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–2 in 2012.
3
Zenit Saint Petersburg
0
Drawn
4
Benfica
Recent Meetings (7)
API data: 23 Apr 2026