All these football games had an element of drama and intrigue.
The varying scenarios made it more interesting, even for those clubs who had already sealed their place in the competition after Christmas.
In the end, however, the pre-match betting odds proved uncannily accurate.
Benfica 0-2 FC Basel
It was a dream start for the Swiss when Mohamed Elyounoussi fired them in front inside five minutes.
Dimitri Oberlin’s header midway through the second half booked their place in the next round and continued Basel’s ability to upset the more established sides.
A woeful and embarrassing European campaign for this proud Lisbon club.
Manchester United 2-1 CSKA Moscow
On a night in which the returning Luke Shaw impressed, United turned around a half-time deficit.
Two goals inside three minutes ensured they topped Group A with something to spare.
Battling Moscow drop into the Europa League.
Celtic 0-1 Anderlecht
There was always a sense Celtic may make life difficult for themselves.
And so it proved when Pieter Gerkens flicked home a header just after the hour.
The Glasgow club held on though and take their place in the Europa League.
Bayern Munich 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Despite Robert Lewandowski’s early opener, few really felt Bayern would score the three further goals required to top the group.
Then Corentin Tolisso headed home a second before the break and the Germans dared to dream (he added a third in the second period).
Kylian Mbappe’s header five minutes after the re-start ended that hope, but what prize on a real humdinger should these clubs meet later in the competition.
Roma 1-0 Qarabag Aghdam
The majority of those inside the Stadio Olimpico were probably relieved when Diego Perotti broke the deadlock.
That was all they needed, and events in West London mean they have the bonus – if it is – of topping Group C.
The Azerbaijan club can be proud of their first ever time in the group stages.
Barcelona 2-0 Sporting Lisbon
When the home goal arrived, it was their first in more than four hours of Champions League football.
It also came as Lionel Messi was preparing to enter the fray.
Paco Alcacer’s glancing header ended the Sporting resistance as the Portuguese drop into the Europa League.
Olympiacos 0-2 Juventus
If there were any nerves, Juan Cuadrado’s close-range finish quarter of an hour in settled last season’s beaten finalists.
Federico Bernardeschi’s late second didn’t really matter.
The Turin giants had done enough and will be a familiar name in the last 16 draw.
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