Tymoshchuk strike no consolation for Zenit

UEFA Cup holders FC Zenit St. Petersburg are out of the competition after failing to build on Anatoliy Tymoshchuk's first-half opener against Udinese Calcio, who take their place in Friday's quarter-final draw.

Hopes raised
Tymoshchuk gave the Petrovsky Stadium faithful tangible hope of Zenit wiping out the Zebrette's 2-0 first-leg lead when his header from Ivica Križanac's knock back just crossed the line despite the efforts of goalkeeper Samir Handanovič after 34 minutes. The Russian side were under par in the second half, though, and could have been pegged back had goalkeeper Vyacheslav Malafeev not kept Italy's only remaining European representatives at bay with a string of late saves.

Tymoschuk header
Zenit pressurised their visitors from the outset in the hope of striking an early blow and would have had it were it not for Gaetano D'Agostino blocking Tymoshchuk's close-range header on the line. Udinese hit back straight away and almost claimed an away goal when Fabio Quagliarella headed Antonio Di Natale's centre over the crossbar.

Fayzulin chance
That merely spurred the hosts into action and their efforts paid off when Tymoshchuk scored Zenit's first home goal against Italian opposition after Danny's glancing header was nodded back by Križanac at the far post. One nearly became two soon after but Viktor Fayzulin missed the target with just Handanovič to beat.

Malafeev saves
On the cusp of half-time, Danny then sent a right-footed shot narrowly wide from the edge of the penalty area, although it was Udinese who threatened next when, on 65 minutes, Malafeev expertly kept out Quagliarella's volley. His next save was more spectacular, the goalkeeper thwarting a close-range header from the same player and, deep into added time, was quick off his line to deny Gökhan Inler as Udinese looked to settle the tie.