Everton got their Europa League campaign off to a flying start as they cruised to a slightly flattering 4-1 win over Wolfsburg.
Roberto Martinez named a strong Toffees side and while they were clearly the better side against their Bundesliga opponents, the first three goals all had a slice of fortune about them.
After a tentative start at Goodison Park, Everton suddenly clicked into gear with Steven Naismith, Leighton Baines and James McCarthy all combining well for the opener, which came when the striker’s effort was luckily deflected into the bottom corner from Ricardo Rodriguez’s block.
On the cusp of half-time Everton doubled their tally as Seamus Coleman headed home after Baines’ mishit strike fell perfectly for the Irishman in the box.
While Dieter Hecking’s side could curse their misfortune, the third goal was courteous of a refereeing blunder when Luca Banti bizarrely gave a penalty for a challenge on Aiden McGeady that was clearly outside the box. Baines was more than happy to dispatch the spot kick with ease.
In fairness to the German side, they did not let their heads drop and actually shaded the second half in terms of chances, with Howard representing a brick wall they could not break down.
The American goalkeeper had to be hand on several occasions to repel De Bruyne, Luis Gustavo and in particular, Rodriguez, whose curling effort had the veteran at full stretch.
There remained time late on for Everton to get their fourth when Kevin Mirallas polished off an excellent Samuel Eto'o pass, while Wolfsburg deservedly got on the scoresheet moments later when Rodriguez curled a sumptuous free-kick into the top corner.
Meanwhile, Tottenham earned a good point as they were held to a goalless draw by Partizan Belgrade.
Driven on by a hugely vociferous crowd, the Serbian outfit more than matched their illustrious rivals and Spurs could feel midly content to come away with a point.
The best opportunity of the game came after just two minutes as Tottenham academy product Harry Kane rattled the woodwork with a blistering effort.
Despite Tottenham’s dominance of possession, their defence remained susceptible and debutant Federico Fazio almost committed a total howler when he misjudged the flight of the ball, allowing Danilo Pantic a clear sight on goal, which fortunately Hugo Lloris thwarted from just five-yards.
Spurs could count themselves lucky not to go down to ten men in the first-half when Andros Townsend foolishly got himself booked for dissent and then followed that up with what looked like an elbow into the face of Vladimir Volkov.
Goalmouth action had dried up with both sides keeping each other at arm's length, though Spurs fans would be happy to see substitute Erik Lamela dancing around Partizan tackles as he continues to rebuild his reputation.
Overall, both sides could be content with a point in a match that failed to get the pulses racing.
Elsewhere, Celtic were held to an entertaining 2-2 draw at FC Red Bull Salzburg.
The Scottish champions had failed to win any of their four previous visits to Austria, but looked on course for victory after Wakaso Mubarak and Scott Brown had them 2-1 ahead with 12 minutes to go.
But Jonathan Soriano netted an absolute worldly of a free-kick from 25-yards to leave the Bhoys cursing their luck.
Earlier on, debutant Wakaso fired Celtic ahead when he found room in the area and placed a drive past the keeper on 14 minutes.
Alan equalised for the hosts before half-time with the aid of a deflection, but Brown restored the visitors' lead with a sensational 25-yard strike.
However, Soriano's sensational strike ensured things would finish all square.