Andre Villas-Boas is optimistic that Zenit can overturn their 1-0 first-leg deficit against Benfica and reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the first time in their history.
This season is the third time in five years that the Russian champions have reached the knockout stages, but their previous visits have ended in disappointment, including when they were beaten by Benfica over two legs in 2012.
This is the first time the Portuguese title holders have reached the knockout stages since that season, when they went on to be beaten by eventual winners Chelsea in the last eight.
The first leg of this tie saw Benfica claim the advantage in a dramatic finish, with Jonas netting in the last minute and Domenico Criscito receiving a red card in a game t…