On a night when all bar two football games were closely contested, some of Europe‘s big boys have to wait a bit longer yet before confirming their place in the knockout stages.
The bonus of qualifying with two group games to spare has evaded Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United – even though the latter have won four games out of four.
As you sports betting fans already know, it’s a funny old game this football lark!
FC Basel 1-2 CSKA Moscow
At 1-0 up, the Swiss club were on the brink of the knockout stages.
Now the Russians have the bit between their teeth.
Inspired by half-time substitute Alan Dzagoev, it’s all to play for both sides.
Manchester United 2-0 Benfica
This wasn’t vintage United, but it didn’t need to be.
Indeed, a victory in which they could even afford to see a first-half penalty saved has all but sealed their place in the last 16.
Benfica are better than their position in Group A suggests, but they won’t be competing in Europe after Christmas.
Celtic 1-2 Bayern Munich
It’s the hope that kills you, and Celtic will be deflated after this narrow defeat killed their qualifying hopes.
Only four minutes separated their equaliser and Bayern Munich’s winner.
Ultimately though, Celtic have not won at home in Europe for three seasons and will never have a better chance to defeat Bayern considering the German champions were missing five key men through injury and rest ahead of a key Bundesliga weekend.
Paris Saint-Germain 5-0 Anderlecht
A real have against the have-nots clash.
The French club are through after a win that was more akin to a training ground exercise at times.
Layvin Kurzawa hit a hat-trick within 26 second-half minutes.
Talk about an attacking left-back!
Atlético Madrid 1-1 FK Qarabag
Never mind that Atletico, defeated finalists in 2014 and 2016, had 35 shots during the match.
Diego Simeone’s men are now in real danger of failing to make the cut.
That they were still unable to break down the Azerbaijani minnows that played the last half hour with 10 men will not have gone unnoticed.
Olympiakos 0-0 Barcelona
This was the first tie in two and a half months in which Barcelona have failed to score.
It was also a frustrating night as the sight of Sergi Roberto leaving the pitch with a hamstring injury will be an undoubted blow.
The highlight of the evening – the friendly pitch invader trying to grab a selfie with Lionel Messi.
Sporting Lisbon 1-1 Juventus
Gonzalo Higuain – who else right now – dashed Sporting Lisbon hopes just when it looked like Group D was going to get interesting.
Indeed, the Bianconeri nearly snatched it late on.
But that would have been harsh after Bruno Cesar’s opener had kept their dreams alive.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more football betting options.
