Substitute Martin Vingaard, on his debut, headed home in stoppage-time to deny City a morale-boosting victory in this first leg match of the round of the last 32.

It was cruel luck on a side who had been slated for their performance at the weekend when they had been defeated by Portsmouth.

City looked on their way to securing the advantage thanks to a fine finish from Stephen Ireland in the 61st minute.

But it was not to be, although they have the bonus of two away goals when they face the Danes in the return at Eastlands next Thursday.

Following the 2-2 draw, Hughes said: "We have allowed them back in right at the death and it is a little bit hard to take. We certainly had the chances to put the tie beyond Copenhagen.

"But I think beforehand we would have taken a positive result with away goals. As it is we are still in good shape for the second leg and hopefully we will get the job done.

"I was really pleased with our attitude and anticipation of situations. We were a threat on the break."

Even though Robinho missed a gilt-edged chance with only a minute to go, Hughes was pleased with the Brazilian as well as Craig Bellamy and Shaun Wright-Phillips.

"They were the trigger for the level of performance we were able to produce," said the City boss.

"Our front three, Robby, Craig and Shaun gave them a problem with their pace and ability on the ball."

Nedum Onuoha opened the scoring for City in the 29th minute when his shot squirmed under the body of goalkeeper Jesper Christiansen.

It was only the defender's second senior goal and Hughes quipped: "Nedum reckons he gave the goalkeeper the eye and that's why he scored.

"We will take his word on that and we have not had that many go in like that, to be fair."

Ailton Almeida then pulled Copenhagen level in the 56th minute before Ireland grabbed his 10th goal of a productive season.

Hughes added: "It was a good finish. There was a strange reaction to the goal but it was given.

"At that point we were very comfortable, so the second goal was a disappointment."