England's Champions Manchester United awoke from their Premiership nightmare to put themselves firmly on course for the Champions League quarter-finals.
Old Trafford was filled with a singing of 'United are back' as Ruud van Nistelrooy continued his hot scoring streak in Europe to help United achieve an easy 3-0 win over Portugies Boavista.
The Dutchman converted Phil Neville's centre on 31 minutes and then slotted home on 60 minutes to register his fifth and sixth Champions League goals in his seventh euro appearance, what an amazing record.
A thunderous header from French defender Laurent Blanc separated the Dutchman's strikes and completed a good night's work for the 36-year-old who impressed at the heart of defence.
United now go into the Champions League winter break on top of Group A on goal difference following Bayern Munich's narrow 1-0 win in Nantes.
A second-half goal from Brazilian Paulo Sergio gave Bayern Munich a well-earned away victory against Nantes.
The result was even more satisfying for defending champions Bayern, who were without influential midfielder Stefan Effenberg and keeper Oliver Kahn.
Liverpool delivered a highly competent performance to reignite their Champions League hopes with a 0-0 draw against Italians champions Roma in group B.
Roma opened with only one striker, Gabriel Batistuta only to see Liverpool dominating the first half thanks to their ability to retain possession more effectively than they had been able to do in their 3-1 defeat to Barcelona a fortnight ago at Anfield.
Roma were a much more potent threat after the interval, but to Liverpool's credit, the home side struggled to create any clear openings.
A seconed half brace from Javier Saviola ensured Barcelona claimed a 2-2 draw at home to a Galatasaray side that finished the game with nine players.
Umit Karan was credited with heading the opening goal on five minutes, although Patrik Andersson may have supplied the final touch. Andres Fleurquin made it 2-0 after 41 minutes as he touched in the rebound after Umit's header was saved.
Saviola pulled one back on 49 minutes, when he fired an Overmars ball back into the area. And after Capone had been sent off for a late challenge on Rivaldo on 62nd minute, the young Argentinian striker levelled the score with a second close-range goal.
Hakan Unsal was the second Galatasaray player to be sent off after he received a second yellow card in the dying seconds of the game.
