Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ruud van Nistelrooy has helped German club Hamburg come from behind to take a 2-1 first leg lead into the return bout with Standard Liege in the Europa League.

Despite falling behind on the half-hour mark, Hamburg hit back twice before the break to give themselves every chance of progressing to the semi-finals.

Liege's Deiudonne Mbokani headed home in the 30th minute before Mladen Petric converted a penalty 13 minutes later and then van Nistelrooy struck with a left-footed shot that found its way in under Sinan Bolat to gain the lead.

Hamburg will now take on Liege in Belgium next Thursday with the winner taking on the victor of the Fulahm v Wolfsburg tie in the final four.