Goalscorers Hulk and Axel Witsel were thrilled to help FC Zenit to an opening 2-0 win at SL Benfica while both sides agreed that Artur’s sending-off was a key factor.
Axel Witsel, Zenit midfielder
“We did a good job and we scored twice so I’m happy after this game. I didn’t go mad when I scored because I played here for a year and I respect everybody. I was very happy inside when I scored but I did not celebrate because I have a great deal of respect for the club and the supporters. It was a little bit strange to return here and be in the opposition dressing room. I went into Benfica’s dressing room and my former team-mates asked me: “Why did you do that to us?” Of course they were joking with me.
It’s been a good Champions League for me so far with going back to Belgium to Standard [in the play-offs] and now here, seeing old colleagues. It was a perfect result for us and we have to continue like this in the Champions League. The coach told us it was very important to start the game well. We knew they’d want to put pressure on us in the first 15 minutes but we began strongly and it’s true that after the red card it was easier for us”.
