European champions FC Barcelona demonstrated the health of their youth system with a powerful and clear-cut 4-0 defeat of FC BATE Borisov, whose chances of qualifying for the UEFA Europa League knockout stage ended.
Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini put his team's chances of progressing to the Champions League knockout rounds at just 30 percent following its 2-1 defeat at Napoli.
AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is likely to be "highly motivated" for Wednesday's Champions League Group H clash at home to his former club and holders Barcelona, according to Barca captain Carles Puyol.
Former European champions Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Inter Milan bid to book their places in the Champions League knockout stages in the fifth round of group matches today.
Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has undergone surgery on his broken collarbone and will be out of action until the New Year.
Sir Alex Ferguson hailed the contribution of Wayne Rooney after the Manchester United talisman orchestrated a 2-0 Champions League victory over Otelul Galati from central midfield.
Borussia Dortmund beat Olympiakos Piraeus 1-0 with a first-half goal from Kevin Grosskreutz on Tuesday to give themselves a Champions League lifeline and move up to third spot in Group F.
Brazilian Jonas notched one of the Champions League's quickest goals, scoring after 12 seconds as Valencia breathed new life into their Group E campaign with a 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.
Another Lionel Messi hat-trick lit up the Champions League yet again as Barcelona and AC Milan qualified for the last 16 with time to spare on Tuesday although it is APOEL Nicosia who are fast becoming the talk of the group stages.