Manchester, March 14: Keeping in mind last season's Champions League semi-finals run, Manchester City attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has urged his teammates to emulate their success.

City knocked out Dynamo Kiev and Paris Saint-Germain to reach the last-four stage during the last season, winning a knockout game in the competition for the first time. They lost to eventual winners Real Madrid in the last four clash.

"I think it was important as a team to make the next step," De Bruyne was quoted as saying by espnfc on Monday.

"City have had a difficult time in Europe, which is new for this club, but last year we did great in the Champions League.

"I think we now have to try to emulate that. We had a really difficult group last year and then we had to play PSG and Real Madrid, but I don't think this year has been any easier.

"I think that when you play at the highest level, you're always playing in big matches whether it's in the Premier League, the cups, the Champions League or at international level."

City will take on Monaco on Wednesday for their round-of-16 second leg clash. They won the first leg 5-3.

"I think we can reach the final, but of course the other teams will think the same and that doesn't make it easier," he said.

De Bruyne admitted that the tie will be very tough but put his weight behind City.

"It will be very tough against Monaco. They are doing extremely well, but we are very positive and if we beat them we are through to the quarter-finals, after which the final is not that far away. That would be fantastic. I think that's what we're here for," he added.

IANS