Zenit, coached by Czech Vlastimil Petrzela, held French giant Marseille to a 1:1 draw at the Petrovsky Stadium in Russia's second city to gain a 2:1 overall victory following a 1:0 victory in France a week ago.
Zenit opened the scoring in yesterday's game when Russian national team striker Alexander Kerzhakov blasted a shot from outside the penalty box that was fumbled by Marseille keeper Cedric Carrasso.
Marseille equalized with a free kick by Frederic Dehu, but Zenit was able to hold out for a famous victory. Carrasso, deputizing for injured former Manchester United keeper Fabien Barthez, was sent off in the 90th minute.
The game was largely scrappy, with neither team able to impose itself or create many attacks. Both teams struggled with a poor playing surface and low temperatures in Russia's Baltic Sea port.
Zenit's win came at a price, though, as star forward Kerzhakov will be out for at least a week with an injury picked up during the game.
The draw for the quarterfinals will be made later Friday.
