ST. PETERSBURG, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Russian Premier League front-runners Zenit St. Petersburg have given themselves a realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout phase of the UEFA Champions League for the second consecutive year with a vital 1-0 away win over Portuguese side Benfica on Wednesday.

A 79th-minute goal from Zenit's Portuguese midfielder Danny proved the difference between the two sides after a torrid encounter in which a total of six yellow cards were awarded.

Zenit have moved temporarily into second place in Group C behind Bayer Leverkusen but will be awaiting the result of Leverkusen's clash with Monaco, currently two points behind Zenit with a game in hand.

Zenit will face Monaco at the Stade Louis II on December 9.

For Benfica, the loss effectively seals their fate at the bottom of the group, although the club could still save face by finishing third with a win over Leverkusen in their final group match.