Zenit St Petersburg: Domenico Criscito
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Zenit are another of the sides for whom defensive records have been the bedrock of success. They may have only scored seven goals in the group stage, but that was sufficient to progress having only conceded five in that time.
Italy defender Domenico Criscito played every single minute of Zenit's six group games, and is one of the relatively few Italians to venture abroad and thrive at the highest level.
The full-back will have a tough job on his hands against Benfica as Pablo Aimar, Axel Witsel and Nicolas Gaitan take their turns attacking down his side, but if Criscito can withstand their onslaughts over two legs then Zenit may yet see springtime in Europe this season.