Manchester City got off to a dream start against Hamburg SV but ended up suffering a 3-1 defeat.

Stephen Ireland gave City the lead in the quarter-final first leg in Hamburg after only 35 seconds following an excellent pass from Robinho.

But the home side fought back with a header from Dutch defender Joris Mathijsen in the 9th minute. In the second half Piotr Trochowski - via a penalty - and substitute Peruvian striker Jose Guerrero secured the victory.

The return leg will be played next Thursday in Manchester and City has to win with at least two goals. A difficult task as City only has managed to win their home matches with at least two goals eight of 23 games this season.