Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says his side are "almost in the Champions League" after a 5-0 win over Steaua Bucharest in the play-off round.
Sergio Aguero scored a hat-trick, after missing two penalties, with David Silva and Nolito also scoring.
City host the Romanian champions next Wednesday at Etihad Stadium in the second leg of the tie.
"We are very pleased about the way we played. The quality of our players is fantastic," Guardiola said.
The Catalan, who replaced Manuel Pellegrini in the summer, has won two Champions League titles with Barcelona, although failed to win the trophy in three years with Bayern Munich.