Head for victory: Manchester United's Javier Hernandez scores past SC Braga's goalkeeper Beto during the UEFA Champions League group H match at Old Trafford. Picture: Andrew Yates Source: AFP
MANCHESTER United staged a dramatic fightback from two goals down as Javier Hernandez's double inspired a 3-2 win over Braga.
Chelsea's hopes of a place in the Champions League last 16 were compromised when the holders fell to the first loss of their trophy defence in a 2-1 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk.
And a Jordi Alba goal at the death gave Barcelona a 2-1 win to sink a battling Celtic side and make it three wins out of three in Group G for the Catalan giants.
Manchester United were in danger of an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Portuguese side after two early goals from Braga captain Alan shocked Old Trafford.
But Hernandez sparked United's revival with his first goal just minutes after the home team went two down and the Mexico striker bagged the winner with 15 minutes remaining after Jonny Evans equalised just after the hour.
Hernandez's heroics ensured United maintained their 100 per cent record after three Group H matches and one more victory should be enough to guarantee their place in the last 16.
Yet, while manager Alex Ferguson will be pleased by his team's gutsy comeback, the United manager was shifting uneasily in his seat as Braga became the latest team to expose the hosts' defensive frailties.
"It's been the story of our season at home, starting badly and losing goals," Ferguson said.
"We have had to rescue games and it is the front players doing that. We played some terrific football tonight but it is a concern losing the goals."
Ferguson opted to rest Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra but he talked in his program notes about the perils of underestimating the supposedly weaker teams in the competition and paid Braga due respect by fielding a strong line-up that featured Hernandez, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie in attack.
It seemed like Ferguson's players weren't listening to his warnings as sloppy defending allowed Braga to take the lead after just 90sec.
Former Newcastle midfielder Hugo Viana was given time to swing over a cross from the left and Alan got in front of Alexander Buttner to plant a fine header past United goalkeeper David de Gea.
Javier Hernandez of Manchester United scores his team's third goal to make the score 3-2 against SC Braga at Old Trafford. Picture: Richard Heathcote Source: Getty Images
For the eighth time in 12 matches, Ferguson's men would have to come from behind after conceding the opening goal.
Chelsea's hopes of a place in the last 16 were thrown into danger when the holders fell to the first loss of their trophy defence in a 2-1 defeat at Shakhtar Donetsk.
Despite a late effort by Oscar, goals from Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho were enough to give the Ukrainian champions breathing space at the top of Group E and extend an extraordinary unbeaten run stretching back 11 months.
It was Chelsea's first loss since they went down to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup but things would have been far worse for the Premier League leaders had Juventus not been held to a 1-1 draw at FC Nordsjaelland.
Chelsea remain in second place but are now three points behind Shakhtar ahead of the return game on November 7 while coach Roberto Di Matteo must hope for a quick recovery prior to Sunday's visit of Manchester United.
Fernandinho of FC Shakhtar celebrates scoring against Chelsea in Donetsk. Picture: Sergei Supinsky Source: AFP
"It was a difficult game. Shakhtar played well and deserved it. I don't know what happened," said Chelsea centre back David Luiz.
"The Shakhtar players are intelligent and didn't give us any opportunities. Only in the last 15 minutes did we have good chances.
"We didn't play well. It is a shock following some good performances in the Champions League. Congratulations to Shakhtar.
"Sometimes you can't play well and tonight was like that. We need to think about the next game because Chelsea are a big team and they need to win."
John Terry returned for Chelsea after missing their 4-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur as he served the first instalment of a four-game ban for racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand but his first contribution was unfortunate.
Ironically sporting a Unite Against Racism armband, one year to the day since his clash with Ferdinand, the Blues captain unwittingly diverted a shot into the path of Teixeira, who drilled the hosts into a third-minute lead.
Another Chelsea stalwart, Frank Lampard, was making his 100th European appearance but he endured a similarly forgettable start to the game, with injury forcing him off in the 16th minute.
Celtic's Charlie Mulgrew, left, vies with Barcelona's Adriano Correia during the UEFA Champions League match in Barcelona. Barcelona won 2-1. Picture: Josep Lago Source: AFP
A Jordi Alba goal at the death gave Barcelona a 2-1 win to sink a battling Celtic side and make it three wins out of three in Group G.
The visiting Scottish fans were all set to cheer a well-earned point at Barca's Nou Camp fortress but instead they were left crestfallen after conceding a goal in the 93rd minute with Alba bundling the ball over from close range.
Barca, who lead the group with nine points, have not been beaten at home for three years in Europe but they went behind when a header from Giorgos Samaras deflected off Mascherano after 16 minutes.
The hosts, whose imperious start to the campaign has seen them unbeaten so far at home and abroad, were always in control but they uncharacteristically lacked a cutting edge in attack.
Andres Iniesta brought them level before halftime and despite late pressure where keeper Fraser Forster made a series of fine saves and David Villa hit the woodwork, Celtic looked like they would hold on but it wasn't to be.
Javier Hernandez of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's third goal to make the score 3-2 against SC Braga at Old Trafford. Picture: Richard Heathcote Source: Getty Images
With a long list of injuries to their backline, Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova put his confidence in youth product Marc Bartra in the centre of defence with Javier Mascherano and Adriano Correia at right back.
Alex Song was pushed forward into midfield where he was the only defensive option with Sergio Busquets suspended.
Celtic, backed by their usual army of travelling fans, had little pressure on them after the solid start to their European campaign but this was always going to be a tough night against Barca's potent attacking threat and they were almost a goal down inside the second minute.
Celtic's defending became increasingly desperate as the game wore on and Forster made excellent blocks from Messi and Alexis Sanchez while substitute Villa also hit the post.
But the resistance finally gave way in the 94th minute as Alba at the far post knocked in a right-wing cross.
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