Wayne Rooney powered in a second-half header against CSKA Moscow to end Manchester United’s goal drought and put his side in a strong position to qualify from the Champions League’s group stages.
United had not scored a goal since the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture on 21 October and, despite controlling the majority of the possession, could not break the Russians down until Rooney’s 79th-minute intervention which also sees him match Denis Law's goalscoring record for the club.
Chris Smalling made just as vital a contribution, making a key block from Seydou Doumbia’s goalbound shot moments before, as United saw the game out 1-0 to enter the final two matches on top of Group B.
The pair started alongside Michael Carrick and Ashley Young, while Louis van Gaal once again placed his trust in under-21 winger Jesse Lingard by handing him his second Champions League start and he responded with a man-of-the-match performance.
And in Spain, Raheem Sterling netted his first Champions League goal as he helped Manchester City book their place in the last 16 in an impressive 3-1 victory over Sevilla.
Manchester City's Raheem Sterling celebrates his first Champions League goal against Sevilla
Latching on to a pass from Fernandinho - who was to double City’s lead soon after - Sterling stroked home with precision in the eighth minute.
Wilfried Bony added a third goal before the first half was out, though Joe Hart was unable to keep a clean sheet as Benoit Tremoulinas pulled one back.
There were no further goals after the break and City will now look to secure their place at the top of Group D ahead of Juventus, who are currently one point behind in second.
England Under-19 international Brandon Barker is also edging closer to his debut for Manuel Pellegrini’s side after being named as an unused substitute.
Amid a big night of domestic action, 18-year-old Adam Armstrong remained on the goal trail for League One Coventry City after backing up his double at the weekend with another two strikes in a thrilling 4-3 win over Barnsley.
In the same game, U20s forward Ryan Kent, currently on loan at the Ricoh Arena from Liverpool, scored his first goal for the Sky Blues.
The Newcastle United loanee, who was joined on the scoresheet by former England international Joe Cole, took his tally up to 12 for the season.
England Under-21s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford collected his fifth clean sheet in as many games, helping Preston secure an important 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the Championship.
Jordan Pickford kept a clean sheet for Preston North End on Tuesday evening
Another U20 international in Alex Mowatt did much to lift the mood at Leeds after his second-half stunner against Cardiff City secured their first win in seven games.
It was also a big night for Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles, after the 18-year-old made his first senior goal one to remember - opening the scoring with a 25-yard strike for Ipswich in a 2-0 win over Bolton.
And Stewart Downing netted the winner against Rotherham on his 400th league appearance to keep Middlesbrough’s promotion charge firmly on track.
You can see the Three Lions in action at Wembley on Tuesday 17 November, when France are the visitors. Tickets are on sale now, click here for more details.
