Zenit visited Liege to face Standard for the first leg of UEFA’s Champions League play-off round as Axel Witsel returned (as a spectator due to suspension) to Sclessin stadium, where he starred at the early stages of his career.
It was clear from the first minutes that Zenit wanted an away goal as Hulk gave the warning shot at the 13′ minute testing Liege’s keeper Kawashima. Two minutes later the Brazilian served and Shatov opened the score for the Russians who where easily reaching Standard’s box.
Guy Luzon’s team had a passive role in the game as defenders where having trouble keeping Zenit and Hulk out of their box. Possession was at 63% for Villas Boas’ club and Rondon’s shot hitting Kawashima’s post seconds before the whistle, kept the Belgians alive for the next 45′ minutes.
Tempo was dropped at second half with both teams producing few chances. Danny’s shot at the 74′ minute hit the post for the second time today and Standard’s only notable chance found Lodygin showing his reflexes and giving Zenit the precious away win with 1-0.
Return leg is in one week in St. Petersburg (26th August) where Axel Witsel will be available again for Villas Boas.
