Zenit St Petersburg have given themselves a 2-0 advantage over Torino in their Europa League last-16 clash in Russia, while their opponents were forced to play an hour and 15 minutes with 10 men.

Andre Villas-Boas's side have now stretched to four games without conceding a goal following strikes from Axel Witsel and Domenico Criscito.

© Getty Images

In the early stages of the match, Torino had a chance to take the lead, but Josef Martinez failed to latch on to a cross at the near post.

Minutes later, Zenit went on the counter-attack through Salomon Rondon, who dodged into the box and unleashed a shot, which was saved by Daniele Padelli at the bottom corner.

Torino's chances of a result were dealt an early blow when they went down to 10 men after Marco Benassi was shown a second yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Witsel.

Around 10 minutes later, the hosts were punished further when Witsel pounced on a loose ball in the box and slotted it into the back of the net.

Shortly after the break, Criscito doubled the Russian side's lead after Torino's defence got into a muddle trying to clear the danger.

The ball fell to Danny, who eventually passed to Hulk, but the Brazilian's shot at goal clattered off the post and back into play, where Criscito was able to snatch and fire into the net.

Hulk continued his efforts to get a goal to his name when he unleashed a shot minutes after the second strike went in, but Padelli was able to make the save following an awkward bounce.

Torino left themselves in yet another dangerous position by losing possession in their own half, but fortunately for the visitors, Criscito's cutback was cut out by Kamil Glik with a timely interception.

The home side had numerous chances to extend their lead further, but it wasn't to be as they ended the match having scored six goals in three Europa League games.