Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes it is only a matter of time before Manchester City lifts the Champions League title.

Real face City in their opening Champions League encounter at the Bernabeu Tuesday, and the Portuguese is certain Roberto Mancini's side have the squad to succeed amongst Europe's elite.

"With the direction the club is going, sooner or later they will win the big cup," the former Chelsea manager told reporters. "I don't think it is very different to Chelsea.

"Since Roman bought the club, (Claudio) Ranieri was the first coach, then I came and we won the first league, some cups and some more titles.

"Carlo (Ancelotti) then came and they continued to win and finally they won the Champions League.

"With City it started off with Mark Hughes, they started spending money and buying good players.

"Then Roberto came and he has done a very good job. He has created a great squad, the first cup then the first title arrived.

"I don't know if it is this season or next season -- with Roberto Mancini or with another person. It will happen sooner or later."

City crashed out in the group stages last season in their first Champions League appearance, and Mancini is confident that experience will help the English Premier League champions to do better this time around. "If you drive a Ferrari you can win, if you drive a Fiat Cinquecento, probably not," the Italian manager said.

"In the past we have been working for this. I think we beat good teams but we have played together for two years and we needed time.

"I am sure we will arrive to win this trophy in the future. I do not know when, but I am sure because we are working for this. If we want to improve every year it is possible."