Benfica vs Zenit preview: Axel Witsel out to impress against former club in Champions League tie
A look ahead to the Champions League fixture at the Estadio da Luz
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Axel Witsel: After arriving in Lisbon for €7.5m in July 2011, he spent just 14 months at Benfica before making a €40m move to Zenit.
As Zenit seek to reach the Champions League quarter finals for the first time, his presence in their midfield will be key stopping Benfica’s free-flowing attack.
However he will need to prove his fitness as Zenit are currently in the middle of their winter break and haven’t played since December 9.
Best stat…
Benfica are in the middle of their best attacking season since 1976 with 60 goals in 22 games.
Remember when…
Serguei Semak scored with a back-heeled flick to put Zenit into a 2-1 lead in the last-16 knockout tie.
In the build-up to the goal Alexander Kerzhakov also pulled off a back-heel to feed Vladimir Bystrov who assisted Semak.
Player to watch…
Kostas Mitroglou: The former Fulham striker may not have lived up to his £11m price-tag when he headed to West London in 2014 but he has been proving his worth for Benfica of late.
The loan signing has scored in each of Benfica’s last six games including a hat-trick in the 5-0 win at Belenenses.
Past three-meetings
Zenit 1 (Danny) Benfica 0
Champions League, November 2014
Benfica 0 Zenit 2 (Hulk, Witsel)
Champions League, September 2014
Benfica 2 (Pereira, Oliveira) Zenit 0
Champions League, March 2012
Form guide…
Benfica: WWWWWL
Zenit: LWWLDL
Vital information…
KICK-OFF TIME: 7.45pm
TV: BT Sport 2
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