Luciano Spalletti: Zenit defeated his heart

Zenit's head coach Luciano Spalletti after the victory in the first match of the Champions League 1/8 finals over Benfica ( 3: 2 ) noted the dedication of his players and the teamwork in tactically, and his visuals Georges Zezush hopes to correct the situation in a response meeting.

“It was a very nervous match, with a large number of emotions and passions,” the Italian specialist said. “We can say that the guys won with their hearts, although we also showed a lot of skill. It seems to me that sometimes we underestimate our skill, our class and thus help the opponent. The goal of Sergei Semak is fantasy, but we should not forget what first pass has given Igor Denisov. We need to play the second match, it’s still a second match, still Ahead ".

Spalletti emphasized that the strongest teams of Europe and the issue of reaching the next round after the first match are almost impossible to resolve in the playoffs of the Champions League.

“The opponent adapted to the conditions better than us, which is explainable, because Zenit is familiar to play here,” Georges Zezush admitted. “Benfica deserved a draw, and therefore it is insulting that we still missed the third goal. But nothing was decided. At our stadium, with the support of our fans, we will have the opportunity to go ahead. And there will be every chance of fixing the situation at home.”

“It was a very interesting match for spectators, a lot of goals scored, the scales were constantly inclined to one or the other side,” Sergey Semak reminded. “I am glad that we were able to win in the end. Thanks to Roman Shirokov, who scored a winning goal and brought pleasure to the fans who gathered a lot, for which they have special thanks. Now we must remember that the main thing is ahead.”

Zenit midfielder, who became the oldest football player in domestic football, who managed to distinguish himself in the European Cup match, called his goal-morale accidental.

“I just tried to put the ball into the goal, at least somehow punch,” Semak is modest. “From the side, maybe it turned out aesthetically and beautifully, but honestly, there was little skill in this goal - there was more good luck.”