Hamburg survived some edgy and arduous moments at the Eastlands, but eventually qualified for an all German semi-final against Werder Bremen. Leading 3-1 from last week's first leg, the Bundesliga title contenders claimed the breakthrough goal through José Paolo Guerrero, then had to withstand a massive City assault.

The 4-3 aggregate victory, however, confirmed Hamburg manager Martin Jol's winning habit against the hosts – Jol had prevailed in all seven previous encounters with City, most of them during his time as manager of Tottenham.

Mark Hughes could not hide his pride in the City players who almost pulled off one of the comebacks of the season assuring that they won on their own ground, but bowed out on aggregate score.

"They (the players) knew the importance of the game and sensed the opportunity to make a statement. Elano and Robinho were very much a part of that. We can't go into games with players not performing at their optimum level, as has happened at times.

 "Unfortunately we didn't get that break when we needed it when were in the ascendancy. But we still asked the questions. Hamburg are a good side but we made them struggle at times to stay in the game," he told the club's website.

Hamburg stunned everyone by taking an early lead when Paolo Guerrero beat Shay Given from 12 yards. Manchester City regrouped, knowing that they have to score three goals at least.

Elano equalised from the spot for City and hit the woodwork twice with brilliant free-kicks but luck was on the side of the Germans.

Unperturbed by their hard luck, the English side threw men forward. Felipe Caicedo, who later missed from close range, put City in front with a neat finish before Richard Dunne was sent off as Hamburg held their ground against the hosts' unrelenting attacks.

In the midst of all that pressure, and with an extra man on the pitch, Hamburg mounted an attack of their own, with Dennis Aogo firing on goal but Shay Given snuffed out the danger. With this rare threat over, City's frantic attacks resumed. Micah Richards had a brilliant opportunity to send the tie into extra-time but he fired a volley high over Frank Rost's goal less than five minutes from full time.