Sir Alex Ferguson's Red Devils secured bragging rights
in the bars up and down the British Isles, grabbing
victory at Ibrox through the unlikely source of Philip
Neville.
The
unsung Neville latched onto a pass from Ruud van Nistelrooy
and took advantage of some weak Rangers defending
to shoot past Stefan Klos.
Rangers
went valiantly in search of an equaliser, and squandered
a number of opportunities, but failed to find a leveller.
Chelsea were made to work far harder, as they had
to come from a goal down to beat Lazio.
The
Roman club took the lead when Simone Inzaghi headed
home on 39 minutes, but the cosmopolitan Blues showed
real determination to fight back and take the three
points.
Frank
Lampard deservedly got himself on the scoresheet,
after earlier striking the bar, to bring Chelsea level
and Adrian Mutu capped the comeback with a predatory
finish after seeing his first effort blocked.
Stuttgart
are now top of Manchester United's Group E after cruising
to victory over Panathinaikos. Headed goals from Imre
Szabics and Zvonimir Soldo in the first half sealed
the comfortable three points for Vfb.
Chelsea
sit top of Group G courtesy of Sparta Prague's win
over Besiktas. All the goals came in the second half,
with Lucas Zelenka netting the first after a gliding
run.
The
Turks fashioned an immediate response, with Daniel
Pancu netting from spot after Sergen Yalcin had been
upended.
Sparta
showed the greater resolve and Karel Poborsky applied
the finish from Zelenka's flick to seal the win.
Real
Madrid continue to make hay in Group F, with a 1-0
win over Partizan Belgrade preserving their perfect
start to the competition.
England
captain David Beckham was the architect behind the
goal, whipping in a dangerous cross which allowed
Luis Figo to head goalwards and Raul applied the final
touch.
Porto
moved second in Group F after coming from beating
to beat Marseille 3-2 at Stade Velodrome. Didier Drogba
fired l'OM in front, but a three-goal burst from Nuno
Maniche, Derlei and Alenichev for Porto broke the
French side's spirit - meaning Steve Marlet's late
effort was a mere consolation.
Zlatan
Ibrahimovic submitted a candidate for goal of the
night, leaving defenders in his wake before firing
a low shot into the corner to give Ajax a 1-0 win
over Celta Vigo.
Ajax
left the pitch to the shock news that they are now
top of Group H after Milan were amazingly beaten 1-0
at home by Brugge - Andres Mendoza netting the winner
for the Belgians.
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