Benfica pairing perfect for Zenit's Danny, Witsel

• First leg: Benfica v Zenit, Tuesday 16 February (20.45CET)
• Second leg: Zenit v Benfica, Wednesday 9 March (18.00CET)
  

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André Villas-Boas, Zenit coach
We will play against a very experienced club who have got to two UEFA Europa League finals and two semi-finals in the last five years. We know our opponents very well as we faced them in the UEFA Champions League last season. We understand we have to improve a lot in order to win.

These games will also be tough for us because of the long winter break in the Russian league. We have to fully concentrate on preparing for these matches. We believe that our fans' support will help us at home and we'll get through to the quarter-finals.

Rui Vitória, Benfica coach
It’s going to be a difficult tie, but it is the same for both teams. Zenit are strong opponents who had an excellent group stage. They have players with great quality who have play together for several years.

Danny, Zenit playmaker
We know Benfica and have played them twice. Of course we want to continue our successful performances in the Champions League. The first match being away gives us an excellent opportunity to get off to a good start. At the Petrovskiy, together with our fans, we'll be ready to step into the history of great Zenit performances in the UEFA Champions League.

Hulk after scoring against Benfica last September©AFP/Getty Images

Analysis

• Hulk (5) and Axel Witsel (22) scored as Zenit won 2-0 at Benfica in last season's group stage; Danny (79) got the only goal of the St Petersburg return.
• Benfica beat Zenit 4-3 on aggregate in the 2011/12 round of 16, overturning a 3-2 first-leg loss with a 2-0 victory in Lisbon.
• That 2012 setback at Benfica is Zenit's sole defeat in their last 11 games against Portuguese sides, of which seven ended in Zenit wins.
• Last season's matchday one reverse was Benfica's first at home to a Russian team; they had won four and drawn two of the previous six.