Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira has admitted that progressing to the knockout stage of the Champions League this season will not be easy.

The Spanish champions have been drawn against Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax in Group D.

"We are four top level teams that are champions in our respective leagues," he is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website.

"I am always happy to play against the best, and even better if it's in the last phase.

"We are all at the same level and the games are going to be decided by very little."

Madrid will begin their European campaign with a home game against City at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday.