The Bundesliga side welcome the Portuguese giants to the MHP Arena knowing the tie represents a major moment for the club. Stuttgart are playing in the last 16 of a European competition for the first time in 13 years and preparing for their first ever meeting with Porto.

Hoeness made it clear his players understood the scale of the challenge.

"We have a really big challenge on our hands, which we're approaching with great excitement," the Stuttgart head coach said. "It will require a top performance. If we show any weaknesses, they'll be punished immediately at this level."

The 43-year-old also stressed that these are exactly the kind of matches his squad want to be involved in.

"The opportunity to prove yourselves at this level is what makes these games so attractive," he said. "We are competitors and we want to go as far as possible in this competition."

Porto arrive in Germany with a formidable European pedigree. The Portuguese club have won the Primeira Liga title 30 times and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2004 before adding the Europa League crown in 2011.

Hoeness believes their quality would not look out of place in Europe's top competition.

"They are a team that could easily be in the round of 16 of the Champions League," he explained. "They are a top side. They play with very high intensity, they sprint a lot, they cover huge distances, and on top of their physical qualities they play very good football."

With the tie set to be decided over two legs, the Stuttgart coach highlighted the importance of making their chances count.

"Efficiency will be a key factor," he said. "We also need energy and passion in our play. We will need our best performance if we want a good result."

Stuttgart are almost at full strength heading into the first leg, although defender Josha Vagnoman is ruled out through injury.

Despite that setback, Hoeness remains confident his side could rise to the occasion on a big European night in Stuttgart.

Sebastian Hoeness demands 'top performance' as Stuttgart face Porto battle