It may be dubbed the ‘draw of death’, but if Manchester City truly want to become a European superpower then they have to face, and overcome, sides like Barcelona in the Champions League.

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In finishing second in the group stage there was always going to be the risk of a mouthwatering last-16 meeting with Luis Enrique’s side or their La Liga rivals Real Madrid.

And, having battled to get here against all odds with wins over Bayern Munich and Roma in their final two matches, City should now relish the challenge of trying to topple Barca.

To be the best, you have to beat the best.

They couldn’t manage it last year when, having had Martin Demichelis and then Pablo Zabaleta sent off, they succumbed to a 4-1 aggregate loss at the same stage, but as director of football Txiki Begiristain says, they have “improved” their squad.

Judging by the way they fought until the very end – with an injury time winner – to overcome Bayern and then defiantly dug deep in the decider against Roma, City have also improved their attitude and approach to the competition.

No longer can they be gung-ho as they often are in the Premier League, nor lax as they were in a draw and loss to CSKA Moscow.

In Europe, the teams that go furthest learn from experience. They are often clever, courageous and crafty in being able to adapt to the occasion and the opposition.

It is one of the reasons why City thrived in the Italian capital as they were patient when under pressure, and punished Roma when given the chance.

Even though they have won in Munich, this was arguably their best away performance in the Champions League.

It was founded on a defensive midfield shield provided by Fernandinho and Fernando in the absence of the suspended Yaya Toure, workmanlike wingers in James Milner and Jesus Navas, and a sole striker.

City cannot afford to be reckless when they host Barca in the first leg on February 24 – and they cannot afford to be without Sergio Aguero either.

The main difference between the sides last season was the tale of two Argentines.

Where Barca had Lionel Messi and he scored twice, City were cursing the injury troubles of Aguero as he missed the decisive 2-0 first-leg loss and was only able to last a half in the Camp Nou return with more hamstring problems.

As he is on the sidelines again, along with Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic, City have attacking concerns and that’s why they have to sign another striker in January.

It also has to be someone who is not cup-tied in Europe and that is why someone like Swansea’s Wilfried Bony would be ideal.

With pace and power, he has led the line superbly for the Welsh club and drawn comparisons with his Ivorian compatriot Didier Drogba.

A bigger stage for the 26-year-old could produce even better results and give Barca something more to worry about.

It will be a tough test for sure, but daunting, not anymore. I didn’t think it was last season either as Barca did not have the same X-factor as they did during Pep Guardiola’s era.

After some indifferent form, City have won seven games on the bounce to restore confidence and show they are a class act. Now they have to take it up a further notch.