Although Zhirkov missed the first match against Benfica, he participated in the return match. He also played in both matches against Partizan, and made a save in the second game. After defeating Auxerre and Parma, CSKA made its way to the final. On 18 May 2005, against Sporting CP at Sporting's own Estádio José Alvalade, Zhirkov scored a goal in the 65th minute to give CSKA a 2–1 lead. The score would end 3–1, making CSKA the first Russian club to win the UEFA Cup.