McClaren hails Robinho 'magic'

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The former Real Madrid striker curled his effort over goalkeeper Sander Boschker in the 56th minute after being released by Stephen Ireland. It was Robinho's seventh goal of the season and City went on to record a nail-biting 3-2 victory in their Group A encounter at Eastlands.

The Brazilian also hit the post twice and McClaren said: "When you can call on players like Robinho and Jo, you are always going to get some magic."

He added: "It is difficult to defend for 90 minutes without giving them opportunities. There was some great finishing."

Manager Mark Hughes was pleased to have got off to winning start.

He said: "We had some great opportunities and Robinho could have had a hat-trick.

"We were quite comfortable at 3-1 up but we just switched off on a set play and gave them a lifeline.

"But we have got a positive result and that is what we need to achieve in home games.

"We were better in the second half and raised the tempo. We were more on the front foot and showed the right attitude."