Palmeira and Giordano were Argentinian trialists. Brazilian Alves Gil was expected to also be tried and was a transfer target, but ended up stranded in London; this led to the sacking of South American scout Oscar Arca, who had arranged the game. Olimpia were reigning South American Club Champions and were in Europe playing friendlies prior to their World Club Championship match at Malmo (Nottingham Forest declined to play).