The Portuguese side lie a point behind Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, who played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in Germany.
The Latics are 19th in the table and lie a point above the relegation zone.
Curtis Obeng's late own goal made no difference and means Boro now lie a point behind Tranmere in 21st place.
Three points would have put Motherwell a point ahead of Celtic in the SPL, but they instead lie a point behind the reigning champions, who also have a game in hand.
But beneath Simpson's apparent whimsy lay a consistent point of view.
His Manchester United side had just drawn against the league leaders after dominating possession to what, in the second half in particular, was a remarkable degree and consequently lay third, a point off top spot.
So an independent Scotland which celebrated the memory of Columba/Columcille would also have to acknowledge a close connection with Ireland...or there could be trouble.Behind all this religious and historical exotica lies a serious point.
Therein lies a major point of confusion: officials at the coalition and a separate American command, United States Forces-Afghanistan, which operates many of the Special Operations units in the country, say they do not run any secret militias.
They might still be very erratic but bit by bit Gregorio Manzano's side are improving – and they now lie a solitary point behind Atlético in that last European slot.
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, amid the finger-pointing, lay a tempting thought: If only Spencer Tracy had been in charge.
