City Crash Despite Early Strike

09 April 2009 21:09
Manchester City got off to a dream start in their UEFA Cup quarter-final but then found themselves in the middle of nightmare as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg against Hamburg at the German side's HSV Arena.[LNB]Stephen Ireland made the breakthrough after only 35 seconds following a delightful build-up with Robinho.[LNB]But that resulted in an onslaught from Hamburg with goals from Joris Mathijsen, Piotr Trochowski - via a penalty - and substitute Jose Guerrero handing the Bundesliga side a two-goal cushion going into the second leg at Eastlands.[LNB]Ireland told ITV4: "We threw it away.[LNB]"We got off to a great start and didn't defend well enough or get back in shape. We're absolutely gutted but we have to return the favour back at our place.[LNB]"I think we can do the same to them. But they created more chances and put us under more pressure. We weren't really brave enough on the night."[LNB]

Source: Eurosport