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.

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

Despite taking the lead after only two minutes through the industrious Shaun Wright-Phillips, City had their work cut out against the Dutch side.

Benjani Mwaruwari marked his return from a thigh injury to find the target in the 61st minute but Twente refused to lie down.

Substitute Stein Huysegems should have secured a point in stoppage-time but blazed over from four yards after goals from Eljero Elia and Robbie Wielaert.

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."

McClaren praised the attitude of his players and believes they can take confidence from their performance.

He said: "We are very disappointed about the result as we felt we should have got something from the game. We certainly had chances and feel this is a missed opportunity.

"But the character of the players was magnificent after we went a goal down so early against City's front five.

"We dug in and it was end to end. It was an open game, which must have been great for the neutral but for both managers it was edge of the seat stuff."