Grêmio are set to fly to Ecuador earlier than planned ahead of their Copa Libertadores play-off against LDU at the end of January.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo’s side return to pre-season training next week and are looking to play three friendly matches before the vital clash in Quito on 23rd January, with one in Ecuador as they look to adapt to playing at high altitude.
Grêmio are in the play-off after conceding second place in the league to Atlético Mineiro on the last game of the season after failing to beat city rivals Internacional.
“There is nothing official yet, but I believe at least a friendly there (in Ecuador),” assistant coach Antonio Lopes Junior told Radio Guaiba.
“LDU is a strong team, they have been champion of the Libertadores recently. We must be prepared.”
The first leg of the Libertadores play-off will take place in Quito 23rd January, with the second leg a week later on 30th January at the Arena in Porto Alegre.
Whoever goes through will be placed into group 8 with Fluminense, Caracas (Venezuela) and Huachipato (Chile).
