10 December 2019 at 20:00
Match Summary
Benfica defeated Zenit Saint Petersburg 3:0. The match was played in UEFA Champions League 2019. Goals were scored by F. Cervi 47′, Pizzi 58′ (pen.), S. Azmoun 79′ (o.g.). 5 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. Benfica had 61% possession while Zenit Saint Petersburg held 39%. Benfica had 16 shots (7 on target) compared to 3 (1 on target) for Zenit Saint Petersburg. Benfica made 3 substitutions, Zenit Saint Petersburg made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Benfica and Zenit Saint Petersburg — 3 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Benfica had 61% possession against Zenit Saint Petersburg's 39%. Benfica registered 16 shots (7 on target) while Zenit Saint Petersburg managed 3 (1 on target). Corner kicks: 8–6. Fouls committed: 8–13.
Lineups
Benfica lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation under Bruno Lage, while Zenit Saint Petersburg deployed a 4-4-2 under S. Semak.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Benfica is —, compared to 7.05 for Zenit Saint Petersburg. 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. Benfica's highest-rated starter is —, while Zenit Saint Petersburg's best-rated player is V. Karavaev (7.30).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Benfica have contributed 0 goals and 0 assists this season, led by —. Zenit Saint Petersburg's starters account for 1 goals and 3 assists, spearheaded by Douglas Santos (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
Benfica deploy 4 defenders rated — on average, against Zenit Saint Petersburg's 4-man backline averaging 7.20. 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
Benfica field 4 midfielders averaging —, versus Zenit Saint Petersburg's 4 rated 6.90. 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
Benfica start 2 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Zenit Saint Petersburg 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 —% for Benfica and 80% for Zenit Saint Petersburg. 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
Benfica's starters have collected 0 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 for Zenit Saint Petersburg. 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 Benfica's starting XI is — (youngest: —, oldest: —), while Zenit Saint Petersburg average 33.4 (youngest: V. Karavaev (30), oldest: M. Kerzhakov (38)). 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
Benfica's starters average 0 league appearances each, versus 11 for Zenit Saint Petersburg. 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: Bruno Lage
Substitutes
Coach: S. Semak
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Benfica have recorded 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 defeats. Zenit Saint Petersburg show 4 wins, 2 draws and 0 losses from their last 6 outings.
Benfica
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Benfica vs Zenit Saint Petersburg Head to Head Results
Benfica and Zenit Saint Petersburg have met 7 times — Benfica won 3, Zenit Saint Petersburg won 4, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2012. Zenit Saint Petersburg leads the head-to-head with 4 victories from 7 meetings. A combined 18 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.57 per match (8 for the home side, 10 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 3 matches (43%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 3 games (43%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–2 in 2012.
3
Benfica
0
Drawn
4
Zenit Saint Petersburg
Recent Meetings (7)
API data: 23 Apr 2026