Fluminense head coach Renato Gaucho: We will show Sundowns respect

The Brazilian Serie A team top the standings with four points from their opening two games.

After being held to a goalless draw with German giants Borussia Dortmund, Gaucho's charges then defeated Korea's Ulsan HD 4-2.

Sundowns, meanwhile, overcame Ulsan 1-0 and narrowly lost 4-3 to Dortmund in a pulsating tie last weekend, meaning a draw would be enough to see Fluminense qualify for the last 16.

The former Vasco da Gama and Gremio boss has been impressed with the style of Sundowns, and ahead of Wednesday night's encounter, he emphasised the attacking threat of the South African team.

Gaucho said on News24: "We studied the opponent how they can play. They like the ball. We like it, three o' clock will be hot, we will both suffer under the conditions here.

"The team who has more possession will have the benefit and tire out the other, so it will be important to keep the ball away from Sundowns."

Fellow Brazilian side's Botafogo, Palmeiras and Flamengo have all already qualified for the knockout rounds, but Gaucho says it won't be a problem if they fail to reach the last 16.

"I don't believe we will be criticised if we don't go to the next stage because we playing good football," he revealed.

"I hope tomorrow we go to the next stage but we playing a hard opponent. We will work hard and show them respect to try and win and show them respect."