Mancini expecting tough test

City were paired with the Portuguese giants in the round of 32 on Friday after crashing out of Europe's top club competition.

Neighbours Manchester United, meanwhile, were handed an equally tough assignment against Dutch giants Ajax in a draw littered with unusually high-profile names.

Porto, who also won the 2004 Champions League, host City in the first leg before a return fixture at the Etihad Stadium and Mancini concedes it is as tricky a test as he could have imagined.

Tough

"Manchester City against Porto feels like a Champions League game, it is probably the toughest game we could have had," he said.

"I have come up against them as a player before and also a manager, they are a very good team and a very strong club in Europe.

"They are used to playing in Europe, in a great stadium. Not too many years ago they won the Champions League and also won the Europa League last year. So they are a strong team.

"It will be a hard match for us. We know this game will be difficult, but also it will be difficult for them.

"It is a good game for the fans, a big team coming to Manchester, and we will be looking forward to it."