Goals galore and some comprehensive victories in Champions League football games.
The events in Paris rubbished my betting tips.
The events in Brussels surprised betting odds.
And as for the one-sided contest in Switzerland, that’s where we start.
FC Basel 5-0 Benfica
Well, who saw this coming?
Certainly not I and certainly not Benfica.
In truth, the floodgates had started to open long before Magalhaes de Almeida was dismissed on the hour.
CSKA Moscow 1-4 Manchester United
A romp for United who produced a clinical showing in Moscow – the country where they famously won the trophy in 2008.
Romelu Lukaku is a beast in front of goal and his early header set the Red Devils on their way.
The only downside for United was the sight of Anthony Martial limping off after he had run CSKA ragged.
Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 Bayern Munich
Was this the night Paris St Germain properly introduced themselves to Europe’s top table?
They may have been beaten Barcelona 4-0 in the last 16 first leg last season (before Barca’s unlikely comeback, aided by some questionable referee decisions).
But this was a result when their big money stars shone, albeit against an under-strength Bayern, but the German giants are known for their efficiency and would not have expected this.
The most expensive of them all, Neymar, put the seal on a 3-0 success, with Kylian Mbappe outstanding.
Anderlecht 0-3 Celtic FC
In Brussels, considered the capital of Europe, how fitting that Celtic secure one of their best results in recent times.
This first group stage win since 2013 was a rare away win for the Scottish champions but one which will do wonders for their confidence.
Anderlecht ultimately must have been demoralised.
FK Qarabag 1-2 AS Roma
A two-goal burst inside the opening quarter of an hour was the difference.
Kostas Manolas and Edin Dzeko strikes won the game and the Serie A giants will be relieved to a degree.
Their spirited hosts put on a show to keep the outcome in the balance until the end.
Juventus 2-0 Olympiakos
It took over an hour to break the deadlock but the Old Lady are smiling.
Last season’s beaten finalists are off the mark after their trouncing at Barcelona.
Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic scored the goals to outline the Italians’ firepower.
Sporting Lisbon 0-1 Barcelona
An own goal by former Liverpool defender Sebastian Coates was all it took to separate these sides four minutes after the break.
The Portuguese side have traditionally had to sell their best players but they had enough here to give the Catalan giants a battle.
A stroke of luck for Barca as Coates converted a touch from his former Liverpool team-mate, Luis Suarez, past his own keeper.
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