Half-Time Report: Zenit St Petersburg in control against 10-man Benfica

Zenit St Petersburg are in control of their Champions League Group C opener away at Benfica thanks to first-half goals from Hulk and Axel Witsel.

Hulk put the visitors in front after just five minutes with an assured finish after collecting Oleg Shatov's measured through-ball.

© Getty Images

Nicolas Gaitan tried to claw the home side back into the game within five minutes but his strong strike was dealt with by Juri Lodygin.

The home side's task became twice as difficult in the 16th minute when Artur was shown a straight red card for a cynical foul on Danny, who was bearing down on an open goal.

Hulk flashed the resulting free kick wide, but Witsel made it 2-0 shortly after with a strong header that just about crept over the line.

Hulk continued to cause havoc for the home side and went close to grabbing his second of the night in the 31st minute when he drilled a low shot inches wide of the near post.