The visitors took control from the off, with Hulk almost setting up a goal in the opening seconds, his run and cross on the left flank just evading the advancing Shatov.

Hulk was causing havoc every time he picked up the ball against a nervous Benfica and it was little surprise when Zenit took an early lead.

Jardel's loose pass was picked up by Shatov who slipped a perfect pass to Hulk and the former Porto striker lifted a delightful finish past Artur.

The home side was further punished fifteen minutes later when Danny had a clear run on goal.

The Portuguese playmaker knocked the ball past Artur who body-checked him preventing a certain goal and Norwegian referee Oddvar Moen had no alternative than to send Artur for an early bath.

Paulo Lopes came on, as Talisca was sacrificed by Jorge Jesus, and from the resulting free-kick Hulk's effort was deflected just wide of the post.

It was only a brief reprieve as from the resulting corner former Benfica's Belgium international Axel Witsel rose highest to head into the net, Paulo Lopes managing to claw the ball out but not before it had crossed the line.

The Eagles improved in the second-half and were unlucky not to claw a goal back.

The players' efforts were at least rewarded by a tremendous show of support from the home fans who chanted loudly throughout the closing minutes.

Nevertheless, Zenit were worthy winners and with two away games next, against Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, Benfica are already facing a tough task to qualify for the knockout rounds.