To see today's training session...

The Reds are the third Australian side after South Melbourne in 2000 and Sydney FC in 2005 to feature in the tournament, and Vidmar plans to ensure their participation in the competition is more than a one-match sojourn away from the A-League.

"We certainly need to get past the first hurdle, that's a must," said Vidmar.

Adelaide enter the contest on the back of a 6-1 defeat of New Zealand's only A-League side, the Wellington Phoenix - a win which sees the Reds travel to Japan as A-League leaders - and victory would set up a re-match of the Asian Champions League final against Gamba Osaka.

The J.League side, who won the continental title at a canter with a 5-0 aggregate triumph, would then stand in the way of a dream contest against European champions and English Premier League holders Manchester United.

But Vidmar is aware of the dangers of looking too far ahead and is focused on despatching Waitakere United.

"We are under no illusions how difficult the game is going to be," he said.

"It's 50-50 and they have got a fair bit of experience having played in the competition last year, but we go in quietly confident after the result against Wellington.

"We really don't know what to expect, except on the football side it's going to be a difficult game."

O-League winners Waitakere United are determined to upset their trans-Tasman rivals.

The Aucklanders are making their second appearance in the event after exiting last year's competition following a 3-1 defeat to Iran's Sepahan.

Waitakere captain Danny Hay insists his side learned from the experience and will show a positive attitude throughout the showdown with Adelaide.

"It's all about redemption for us," he said. "We were really disappointed about the way we performed last year.

"We had a year of thinking about what was required at this level. We want to come off the pitch in this tournament after giving our real, real best."

Coach Chris Milicich echoed Hay's comments.

"We've felt unfinished in the last 12 months," he said.

To see today's training session...