If there were any Real Madrid scouts at Old Trafford checking out the abilities of Ruud van Nistelrooy, they left gleaning one important fact - to Manchester United, the Dutchman is priceless.
Earlier in the day, both David Beckham and Ronaldo expressed their hope that van Nistelrooy would become Real's latest `galactico' this summer - but neither can truly expect the striker to join them in Spain.
Alex Ferguson may not agree, but without van Nistelrooy life would be very bleak for the Red Devils. This evening he almost single-handedly drove United to top spot in Group E, first by equalling Denis Law's club record of 28 European goals, then with an amazing piece of strength and vision which sent Ryan Giggs away to avenge the 2-1 defeat in Germany earlier in the competition.
While the merits of the result will only be determined in Friday's draw for the first knock-out phase, it should at least ensure United avoid Real, Juventus and AC Milan, which even given van Nistelrooy's presence, has to be welcomed.
Panathinaikos won 3-1 at Rangers for their first victory in the same group, but that was good enough to lift them above the Scottish team on goal difference and into the UEFA Cup after both finished with four points.
Elsewhere, Celta Vigo scored one of their greatest victories by winning 2-1 at defending c
Celta's victory meant they leap-frogged above Ajax Amsterdam into second place in Group H with nine points, while Ajax crashed out of European competition completely, finishing last in the group with six points. The Dutch side, who started the night in the second qualifying place, lost 2-1 at Club Bruges who finished third on eight points and took a consolation UEFA Cup place.
Sparta Prague qualified for the last 16 from Group G thanks to a goal deep in stoppage time against Lazio which sealed the Italian side's exit from European competition this season. Substitute Marek Kincl's headed goal to secure a 1-0 victory put Sparta on eight points, one ahead of Besiktas who lost 2-0 to Chelsea in neutral Gelsenkirchen.
The Premiership side won the group with 13 points, Sparta finished on eight, Besiktas on seven and Lazio on five.
The qualifying teams from Group F were already known before this evening. Real Madrid secured top spot on 14 points after drawing 1-1 with Porto (11 points) in rain-lashed Madrid.
Olympique Marseille (four points) pipped Partizan Belgrade (three points) to the UEFA Cup spot after a 1-1 draw in Belgrade.
hampions AC Milan to clinch an unlikely place in the knockout phase.