Kompany relishing Euro test

Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany has revealed his delight at the prospect of facing Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax.

City face a huge battle to reach the latter stages of this season's Champions League after being draw in Group D with Real, Dortmund and Ajax, who are all the reigning champions of their respective domestic leagues. Kompany admits his side have been handed a tough draw but the defender insists he is relishing the prospect of taking on the three European giants. "It's a great challenge and I do think we're the kind of team that gets better when the challenges are greater," Kompany told BBC Radio Manchester. "It's perfect for us. There won't be any moment where we're surprised." City fell at the group stages last season, having been drawn with Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli. Kompany admits that on paper it seems as if his side have been handed a harder task this season, but the City skipper remains confident they can progress to the knock-out stages. He added: "That's why you're in the Champions League. I thought it couldn't much more difficult than last season, but there you go. "The motivation will always be sky high and the atmosphere will be great in each of the six games that we have in the group. "I know it's all about how far you get in the competition, but I'd like to think it's even better when you get to play against the best teams." City begin their Champions League campaign with a trip to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid on September 18.