Sebastian Kehl expecting tough Zenit St Petersburg tie

Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl has warned that Zenit St Petersburg will provide a tough test for his side when they meet in the Champions League last 16.

Dortmund travel to Russia for the first leg this afternoon, with many expecting last season's runners-up to come away with a commanding lead.

However, Kehl is anticipating a tricky tie and admits that he would be happy with a repeat of his side's 2-2 draw with Shakhtar Donetsk at the same stage of last season.

"They're really awkward opponents. They've got great individuals. It'd be great to come away with a similar result, but Zenit are a much tougher proposition than most German fans and journalists think. It won't be easy," he told reporters.

Dortmund go into the match on the back of a disappointing 3-0 defeat at the hands of struggling Hamburger SV in the league, and Kehl is keen for his side to bounce back from that performance.

"We're far from happy with our performance at the weekend, we wanted more against HSV. We threw the points away, but we have to forget about it. It's the Champions League and we want to enjoy it," he added.

The second leg of the tie will take place at the Westfalenstadion on March 19.