Patrick Vieira, Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie were each sent-off as the opening round of the group stage was completed with eight matches on Wednesday.
Juventus midfielder Vieira was dismissed in the last minute of his side's 2-1 win over Group A rivals Club Brugge after a second bookable offence.
A free-kick from Czech playmaker Pavel Nedved and a lob from French striker David Trezeguet put the Italian club ahead in Belgium before Matondo pulled one back for Brugge.
Bayern Munich survived a late scare as they beat Rapid Vienna 1-0 in the other Group A match.
Paolo Guerrero, who seized on a loose ball after Lucio's header was saved by keeper Helge Payer, scored the eventual winner for the German side when his scuffed shot crawled over the line.
Jozef Valachovic had the chance to rescue a point for Vienna but shot wide from the penalty spot.
Van Persie was red-carded for dangerous play as Arsenal made hard work of beating FC Thun 2-1 thanks to a late Dennis Bergkamp goal.
Arsenal's group rivals Sparta Prague and Ajax drew 1-1 in a match of two spectacular goals.
Miroslav Matusovic's sweetly struck 25-yard half-volley flew into the top corner while a powerful long range injury-time strike from Wesley Sneijder levelled matters.
Udinese made a memorable Champions League debut as they eased to a 3-0 victory over Panathinaikos courtesy of a hat-trick from striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.
Werder Bremen had a tough task as they entertained Barcelona and they were not helped by wasteful finishing.
The Spanish champions took full advantage as Deco put them ahead before Ronaldino scored from a penalty after substitute Lionel Messi won the spot-kick.
Manchester United striker Rooney was sent-off for petulance after his reaction to a booking but the English side held on for a goalless draw against Villarreal in Spain.
Benfica striker Fabrizio Miccoli earned his side a dramatic win when his header beat stubborn Lille keeper Tony Sylva two minutes into injury-time.
MMIX
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