It was a mixed night to say the least for the Irish players taking part in the Champions League last night. Five Irishmen took to the field, with two having a happy night and three having a torrid time.

Manchester United cruised to a 5-1 win against Anderlecht at Old Trafford in their first European game of the season. Roy Keane marshalled the United midfield with his usual composure and Denis Irwin got on the scoresheet and got booked.

Irwin gave United a 2-0 advantage when he scored from the spot after Ryan Giggs had been pulled down in the box after 30 minutes.

Irwin placed the ball into the corner rather than giving it his usual blast - and it nearly backfired as Anderlecht goalkeeper De Wilde got a good hand to the ball but failed to keep it out.

Elsewhere, Leeds United travelled to Barcelona with Gary Kelly, Ian Harte and Stephen McPhail all in the starting line-up - but it turned out to be a nightmare for David O'Leary's team as Barcelona ran riot, scoring four unanswered goals.

Despite missing key players, Leeds United should have put up a better fight but they were useless on the night and were lucky to get away with only conceding four.

Ian Harte did have a chance to pull a goal back at the start of the second half when his team were only 2-0 down but his shot from eight yards was hit straight at the Barcelona goalkeeper.