Benfica steals win in stoppage time, Zenit faces tough return leg

Benfica striker Jonas nodded in the winning goal in extra time of Tuesday's Champions League tie against Zenit St Petersburg, sending the Portuguese club to Russia with a deserved advantage.

The Lisbon side pressed for the victory throughout the second half, only to see its efforts soar wide or saved by Zenit goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin.

However, Benfica earned a free-kick in the 91st minute, after Domenico Criscito was sent off for tripping up Andre Almeida, and it delivered the killer blow. Gaitan whipped the ball into the penalty area for Jonas, who directed a perfect header past Lodygin and proceeded to rip off his shirt in feral celebration.

It was his 11th goal in his last nine games in all competitions.

Zenit, which just ended a two-month winter break, now faces a one-goal deficit heading into the second leg of the last-16 encounter on March 9. The reigning Russian champion will also be without Criscito and midfielder Javi Garcia, who will miss the match due to yellow card accumulation.