Adelaide United are eager to exact revenge for their Asian Champions League defeat when they face Gamba Osaka in the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final on Sunday night.
Adelaide meets Gamba at the Toyota Stadium in a re-match of last month’s Asian Champions League final in which the J-League side came out on top with a 5-0 aggregate win.
Gamba were dominant in the two legs, winning 3-0 at home before easing to a 2-0 victory in Adelaide, and will undoubtedly be confident of their chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
The Australian team were less than convincing in dispatching New Zealand side Waitakere United 2-1 on Thursday to set-up the clash with Gamba.
And coach Aurelio Vidmar is well aware his side need to be at their best if they are to overcome their Japanese opponents.
“They (Gamba) are a very good side,” he said.
“The mobility they have right throughout the team is exceptional and we really need everyone to play above their average to get the result.”
Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic faces a race against time to be fit having come down with a virus.
The shotstopper travelled separately from the rest of the team from Tokyo to Nagoya but is hoping to be fit for the clash.
Defender Sasa Ognenovski and Cassio have recovered from the same virus but will need to prove their fitness to Vidmar, while Diego is struggling with a groin strain and is a doubt.
Meanwhile, Gamba coach Akira Nishino has demanded his players put thoughts of a lucrative clash with Manchester United out of their minds.
Premier League giants Manchester United await the victors, but Asian Football Confederation Coach of the Year Nishino has warned his players against complacency when they face Adelaide.
“Before going into this tournament, there was an atmosphere in Osaka as if Gamba would be playing Manchester United first,” said Nishino.
“The important thing is to prepare well to play against (Adelaide United). We have confidence in ourselves having produced good results before but I don’t think they are an easy side to play at all.”
