Intro:

Benfica will need to end a four-game winless run to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Zenit St. Petersburg.

With home advantage, the Portuguese club are aiming to overturn a 3-2 deficit in the second leg of the round-of-16 series on Tuesday.

Script:

Benfica were unbeaten in this season's Champions League before travelling to Russia to face Zenit St. Petersburg.

But a 3-2 loss started a spell of four straight losses, the Portuguese team's worst run of results in three years.

Benfica have also been knocked in the domestic league, surrendering their lead at the weekend after losing to FC Porto.

However defender Jardel is confident they still have the form to win matches.

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese)

SUPERCAPTION: Jardel, Benfica defender

"We've been doing beautiful things for the past 40 matches, so I think we'll have to follow that path and overcome tomorrow's challenge and qualify (for the next round), which will be a very important achievement."

This time Benfica will have the home advantage over Zenit St. Petersburg.

And coach Jorge Jesus believes the game is everyone's to play for.

SOUNDBITE (Portuguese)

SUPERCAPTION: Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach

"I think (Zenit) are a very strong side in the technical aspects (of the game), but so are Benfica. We are aware that before the match starts it will be 50 per cent chance for each side and that we are going to play the second leg with a 3-2 handicap. But this can be a result that can give us some guarantees and confidence."

But they'll have to play the last-16 second leg without Ezequiel Garay, who's injured, and Pablo Aimar who's suspended.

The Russian champions meanwhile are six points clear at the top of their domestic league.

They'll take on Benfica in Tuesday night's Champions League clash.