Zenit 2 - Sevilla 1

Zenit: Contofalsky; Flachbart, Hagen, Krizanac, Mares; Anyukov, Gorshkov, Radímov (Denisov 67'), Spivak (Vlasov 88'); Arshavin (Sumulikoski 94'), Kerzhakov. 4-4-2.
Sevilla: Notario; Daniel Alves, Dragutinovic, Aitor Ocio, David (Jesús Navas 53'); Fernando Sales (Kanouté 63'), Renato (Jordi 15'), Maresca, Antonio Puerta; Saviola, Kepa. 4-4-2.

Goals:
1-0. 11. Kerzhakov. Picked up pass from Mares to shoot past Notario.
2-0. 89. Kerzhakov. Ran on to through ball from midfield to beat keeper.
2-1. 92. Saviola. Turned ball in on far post from Jordi's corner.

Sevilla lost 2-1 to Zenit in Saint Petersburg in the third day of the league stage, their first defeat since their centenary celebrations took place almost two months ago. Juande Ramos surprised everyone including Kepa up front with Saviola, but the young striker was unlucky not to be given a penalty early on by the Swiss referee. But almost immediately play went up the other end, and a bad clearance from Dragutinovic fell to Kerzhakov for him to open the scoring.

Puerta had another penalty appeal turned down, but otherwise the Russians were on top, with Spivak hitting the post and Gorshkov shooting just wide. Only a Maresca free kick caused any problems for Contofalsky, and Notario had to be at his best to keep out Arshavin after the restart. Dragutinovic cleared another effort off the line soon afterwards with the keeper beaten, and Kepa should have done better when free in front of goal at the other end.

Ramos brought on Jesús Navas and Kanouté, and Navas tested the Slovakian keeper soon after making his appearance. But with Sevilla throwing everything forward, Kerzhakov picked up a long pass out of midfield and ran on to score his second of the night. Saviola pulled one back in injury time after Jordi's corner was headed on, but it was too late to change the scoreline. The Andalusians ended the day third in their group, and they really need a win against Vitoria Guimaraes next week if they are to avoid having to get a positive result from a tricky last visit to Bolton.