The three-time South American champions have arrived. After touching down at Dubai Airport, tournament debutants Gremio made a beeline for the garden city of Al Ain, where they have their base and where they will play their opening match at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017 on Tuesday 12 December.

Unlike previous years, the winners of the Copa Libertadores have made the journey barely a week after lifting the continental title, and they have done so with a squad containing star names such as goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe and front man Luan. On the downside, they will be without the injured Arthur.

Coached by club icon Renato Gaucho, who won the Libertadores and the Intercontinental Cup titles during his playing days with the Porto Alegre club, the Brazilian outfit are aiming to end an historic 2017 by becoming the world’s top club.

Providing them with their first obstacle in their bid for global supremacy will be the winners of Saturday’s match between Pachuca and Wydad Athletic Club.