As much as the struggles of British teams in the Champions League are so quickly lamented, it's nights like these that remind just about everyone what the Premier League can offer.

When Lionel Messi rounded off a ridiculously good counter-attack at the Etihad earlier this evening, it seemed as if Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola would be in for some very tough questions from tomorrow's press.

However, City managed to rally on a famous in Manchester, putting the Blaugrana to the sword following a 3-1 win for the Citizens.

Elsewhere, Arsenal came from 2-0 down to secure a thrilling 3-2 win over Ludogorets on a pulsating night in Bulgaria for Arsene Wenger's men.

Clearly, the Gunners should really have made light work of this evening ahead of Sunday's North London derby, though the nature of their win further indicates the burgeoning inner strength of Wenger's side.

Over in Germany, Brendan Rodgers' Celtic managed to keep their ever fading European dream alive after escaping a difficult away meeting with Borussia Mönchengladbach with a point.

So, how did it all play out?

Well, here are SEVEN images to show you, dear readers.

Messi Masterclass

Manchester City v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group C

Having bagged a hat-trick against City over in Barcelona just a fortnight ago, Etihad hearts must have sunk when Lionel Messi cut through their defence with ease to fire home from close range.

Same old, same old

PFC Ludogorets Razgrad v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group A

Though much has been made about Arsenal seemingly turning a corner this season, the Gunners did their very best to scare everyone by going 2-0 down early on.

German efficiency

Borussia Monchengladbach v Celtic - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group C

Borussia Monchengladbach had little time for the romanticism of a Celtic away day in the Champions League, taking an early lead at Borussia Park to put hearts in mouths of the traveling Parkhead faithful.

KDB on point

Manchester City v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group C

Kevin De Bruyne's form during the early part of the season prompted Guardiola to talk about him in the same breath as the aforementioned Argentine genius.

He's got some way to go, mind, but his free-kick to put City in the lead was magical.

Rodgers relief

Borussia Monchengladbach v Celtic - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group C

Brendan Rodgers saw his unlikely Champions League hopes kept alive as summer signing Moussa Dembele continue his goalscoring form by dispatching a penalty against Mochengladbach this evening.

Old Guard vs New

Manchester City v FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group C

Prior to tonight's dramatic affair, Pep Guardiola had not beaten a Spanish side since leaving his role in charge of the Blaugrana.

Much has been made about the Spaniard's refusal to stray from his principles as City fail to truly capitalise on games, though he seems to have gotten his tactics exactly right this evening.

A touch of class

PFC Ludogorets Razgrad v Arsenal - UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Group A

Having to play star man Mesut Ozil for the whole 90 minutes with the North London derby fast approaching is not ideal by any means, though the World Cup-winner proved exactly why Wenger simply must use him in the tightest of games.

What. A. Goal.