Manchester City defender Laia Aleixandri says they need to "show their personality" in the Women's Champions League this season.

Gareth Taylor's side are 5-0 up heading into the second leg of their qualifying tie with Paris FC on Thursday evening (19:00 BST).

They have failed to progress from the qualification stage on the last two occasions they have competed in the competition.

Last year Manchester United and Arsenal - who were knocked out by Paris FC - both failed to make it to the group stage, leaving Women's Super League champions Chelsea as the only English club representing the league on the biggest stage.

"I think right now, this league - the English league - is the best in the world, so we need to have more clubs in the Champions League," said Spain defender Aleixandri.

"It's going to be super good for the Champions League and the group stages if we are there and can show also the qualities that we have in the English teams.

"It is not just showing these levels in the league but it is one step more to do it in the Champions League. It is a special goal for us, to show this personality in the Champions League."

It was the perfect start last week when City beat Paris FC 5-0 at Stade Charlety, including a debut goal for Netherlands striker Vivianne Miedema.

And after picking up a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium in their WSL opener, Aleixandri hopes they can confirm their place in the Women's Champions League group stages.

"It's where we belong - or where we want to be," the 24-year-old added.

"We need to show the team we want to be. We are in the right way to be this team. We are looking forward to this season, for sure."

Last week City were without top scorer Khadija Shaw after the club failed to file a visa application.

Taylor says the Jamaica striker was "disappointed" not to have been involved, but the issue has been resolved and she will be available to play in the second leg on Thursday.

"When you wait all summer for that game and build yourself up for it, and to have it taken away, was tough," said Taylor.

"We tried to rally around and support her in the right way. The best answer we had was Mary [Fowler] stepping into the team and doing a real job on them.

"It's just great now [Khadija's] back with us and she is looking forward to the game."

Paris FC beat Guingamp 6-0 in their league match this weekend and Taylor says they are not to be underestimated despite City's significant lead.

"The job is still not done. The Paris team we are playing have real pedigree of knocking big teams out," added Taylor.

"Every team, every player and every coach wants to be in the Champions League. If we can get three [English] teams in it, it would be amazing."