Robinho lit up the night sky as Manchester City got off to a winning start in Group A of the UEFA Cup with a 3-2 win over FC Twente.

The club's record buy curled a shot from just inside the penalty area over Sander Boschker in the 56th minute.

It was his seventh goal of the season and gave City the advantage after a sublime pass from Stephen Ireland.

Robinho also hit the post twice but City had their work cut out against feisty Dutch opponents, managed by Steve McClaren.

Shaun Wright-Phillips (2) fired City ahead after a neat one-two with Jo.

But Twente drew level when Elia (17) rifled a shot beyond Joe Hart.

Robinho curled in the second and Benjani was also on target via a deflection before Robbie Wielaert headed home Twente's second.

And Stein Huysegems squandered a great chance late on but he fired over the bar from four yards out.