Zenit: Lodygin; Smolnikov, Lombaerts, Hubocan,
Criscito; Witsel, Fayzulin (Bystrov 64'); Shatov, Shirikov (Arshavin 64'),
Hulk; Kerzhakov. 4-2-3-1.
Atlético: Courtois;
Juanfran, Miranda, Toby Alderweireld, Insúa; Gabi, Guilavogui; Koke,
Raúl García, Cristian Rodríguez (Oliver Torres 80');
Adrián. 4-2-3-1.
Goals:
0-1. 53. Adrián. Picked up short García
pass and ran on to shoot under keeper.
1-1. 74. Toby (own goal). Looped
header up over Courtois from Smolnikov cross.
Atlético Madrid dropped points for the first time in this season's Champions League after they were held to a 1-1 draw at Zenit, although the only damage was financial as they had already ensured top spot of their group three weeks ago. Simeone spared several of his key players a grueling trip to play in sub-zero temperatures, with Adrián leading the attack and Guilavogui, Insúa, Alderweireld and later on Oliver Torres all given playing time. The Russian side really needed to win to stay ahead of Porto for the second qualifying spot, and Hulk put Courtois to the test a couple of times at the beginning of each half. Koke also tried his luck either side of half time, but there were few clear cut chances until Raúl García sent Adrián away for him to coolly steer a shot under the legs of Lodygin. With a quarter of an hour to go however Alderweireld headed up a cross from Smolnikov, and the usually reliable Courtois misread the drop and allowed the ball in to the net. That cost Atleti half a million Euros in prize money, but they at least came away with their unbeaten record intact.