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Kerzhakov calls on Zenit to break new ground

Aleksandr Kerzhakov is looking beyond FC Zenit St Petersburg protecting their 3-2 lead against SL Benfica: "In the near future a Russian club will win the Champions League."

Kerzhakov calls on Zenit to break new ground
Kerzhakov calls on Zenit to break new ground ©UEFA.com

FC Zenit St Petersburg need only hold SL Benfica to a draw to reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals but Aleksandr Kerzhakov is already aiming higher.

Zenit edged a topsy-turvy round of 16 first leg thanks to Roman Shirokov's late effort and if they preserve their slender 3-2 advantage in Lisbon on Tuesday, the last eight will beckon. "This goes down in the club's history, because until now the club had never qualified from the group stage," said centre-forward Kerzhakov. "But we strive for the best and aim to advance as far as we can, step by step, and continue moving forward and winning. I believe that in the near future a Russian club will certainly win the Champions League, and I hope it will be Zenit."

Our video has more from Kerzhakov as well as the thoughts of Zenit coach Luciano Spalletti.