With Sevilla leading 2-1 on aggregate from the first leg, Zenit were already in the backend of this Europa League quarter-final tie. Sevilla increased their lead six minutes into the tie with a penalty from Carlos Bacca. However, Zenit would recover well, scoring twice with goals from Jose Salomon Rondon and Hulk.
But, Kevin Gameiro’s equaliser in the 85th minute of the match meant that the tie was over the Russian side. It was Hulk’s goal that was the highlight to take away from the match as the Brazilian winger scored from almost 40 yards out with a bold attempt.
Ahead of the tie, Zenit manager Andres Villas-Boas had said, "Hulk is a top-class player who can operate on the wing or in the centre of the attack. On Thursday, we will make a decision about [where to play] our top scorer. Wherever he plays, he will be at his own top level.” And, boy did he.
Hulk is notoriously successful in scoring screamers, and this wasn’t any different as he beat Sevilla goalkeeper Beto with a lofted shot after winning the ball near the right touchline.