Manchester City players Vincent Kompany and Nigel de Jong have stated that their side can still make it through to the Champions League knockout rounds, despite losing 2-1 to Napoli on Tuesday night.

The defeat in San Paolo leaves Roberto Mancini's men in third place in Group A, with a victory over Bayern Munich and a favour from Villarreal now needed to avoid elimination.

Regardless of the uphill battle that faces the current Premier League leaders, their captain feels they can still win a place in the last 16.

"It is by far the hardest group in the Champions League. It was never going to be easy and always a case of going to the last game," Belgium international Kompany told Sky Sports.

"I wouldn't say qualifying is a miracle because all Villarreal need is a draw and Villarreal is a difficult away game. We've got to focus on our game and try to beat Bayern Munich.

"But it doesn't matter what happens, we will have a lot to say in the Champions League or Europa League until the end of the competition," he stated.

Dutch midfielder De Jong also feels that City should not draw the line under their debut Champions League campaign just yet, but knows that the side from El Madrigal need to beat Napoli in the final round of fixtures.

"We still believe we can get to the next round. We don't have our fate in our own hands anymore but we're playing at home which is to our advantage.

"Let's hope Villarreal can give us some help," he concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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