Zenit loses to Bayer, but advances to UEFA Cup semis
Zenit St. Petersburg lost its home game to Bayer Leverkusen 0-1 in the second leg of the UEFA Cup last eight, but nevertheless progressed to their first semi final appearance in a major European competition.
Sponsored by Russia's energy giant Gazprom, Zenit went through to the semifinal with an aggregate of 4-2 after the first leg saw one of the most impressive victories in the club's history, when the team crushed Bayer 4-1 in Germany.
The Russian side's Dutch trainer, Dick Advocaat, who was able to rejoin the team on the touchline after a three game suspension, said Zenit has every chance of winning a major European trophy.
"The results of two games prove that we deserved the victory over Bayer and it has boosted confidence in our team," Advocaat said. "This is a historic moment as Zenit is in the semifinal of the UEFA Cup. Everything is possible from now on."
Zenit will now meet Bayern Munich on April 24 and on May 1, in Germany and Russia respectively. In the other semifinal match Italy's Fiorentina will play Scotland's Glasgow Rangers.
