This week marks the conclusion of the Copa Libertadores. In this article, we’ll explore the teams vying for qualification in each group, as well as those that have already been knocked out.
Group A
Flamengo has secured qualification with a 1-0 win over Estudiantes de La Plata, leading the group by five points and clinching the top spot.
However, the fight for second place continues, with Independiente Medellín and Estudiantes battling for the last qualification spot. Estudiantes holds a one-point advantage, while Medellín will travel to Argentina aiming for a place in the last 16, supported by their home crowd.
Cusco from Peru has been eliminated from the competition, sitting last in the group with no chance of advancing to the knockout stages or the Copa Sudamericana.
Group B
Group B’s final matchweek features Nacional hosting Coquimbo Unido and Universitario facing Deportes Tolima.
Coquimbo has already qualified, leading the group with ten points, three clear of the rest.
The second spot is contested between Tolima and Universitario, with Universitario holding a favorable head-to-head record against Nacional, eliminating them from consideration for a higher finish. Tolima needs only to avoid defeat to advance.
Nacional still has a chance to qualify for the Copa Sudamericana with a win over Coquimbo.
Group C
In Group C, debutants Independiente Rivadavia have already qualified for the last 16, topping the group with four wins and a draw from five matches, marking a strong debut for the Argentine side.
The fight for the remaining spots continues among Bolívar, Fluminense, and Deportivo La Guaira. Bolívar has ensured their advancement, qualifying for either the Copa Libertadores or the Copa Sudamericana due to their superior head-to-head record.
This matchweek sees Fluminense hosting Deportivo La Guaira and Bolívar facing Independiente Rivadavia. If Bolívar prevails against Rivadavia, Fluminense must avoid defeat to move on, or Deportivo La Guaira could clinch a spot instead.
Group D
Group D has yet to see the top three positions decided, with Boca Juniors, Cruzeiro, and Club Universidad Católica all capable of claiming first, second, or third.
Barcelona SC, at the bottom, has already been eliminated from both continental competitions.
Boca will play against Católica, while Cruzeiro hosts Barcelona. The Chilean side Católica leads with 10 points, two ahead of Cruzeiro and three ahead of Boca Juniors.
Católica will advance with a point against Boca Juniors or if Cruzeiro fails to defeat Barcelona. Cruzeiro must win to ensure qualification, while Boca will need a victory to surpass Católica and enter the next round.
Group E
Corinthians have claimed their spot in the knockout stages with an unbeaten run of three wins and two draws, boasting a +6 goal difference. They will face Atlético Platense in their final match, possibly opting to rotate their squad.
Qualification is at stake for Platense and Independiente Santa Fe. Peñarol is out but can qualify for the Copa Sudamericana.
Platense needs a win against Corinthians to secure advancement. Goal difference could be pivotal, as both teams have equal head-to-head records but different goal differences. If Platense and Corinthians draw, Santa Fe must beat Peñarol by at least two goals to advance.
Group F
Many expected Palmeiras to easily progress, but Cerro Porteño leads the group by two points after their surprising 1-0 victory over a Brazilian opponent.
Cerro Porteño will host Sporting Cristal in their final game, knowing a draw will be sufficient for top spot and qualification.
Palmeiras has ensured at least a Copa Sudamericana spot but is focused on advancing in the Libertadores as they face Junior. They need merely to avoid defeat.
Sporting Cristal must defeat Cerro Porteño and rely on a Palmeiras loss to progress.
Group G
LDU Quito secured qualification through their superior head-to-head record against Lanús after a 2-0 home win. Joining them in the next stage are newcomers Mirassol, who had an impressive showing with four wins and one loss, culminating in a victory against Always Ready.
In the final matchweek, Lanús will aim for Copa Sudamericana qualification, while Always Ready hopes to pull off an upset, knowing a victory alongside a Lanús loss would see them advance.
Group H
In Group H, most positions have already been decided, with Rosario Central and Independiente del Valle both qualified, and Universidad Central of Venezuela assured of a Copa Sudamericana place.
At the bottom, Club Libertad remains point-less after five losses.
The final match will see Independiente del Valle and Rosario Central compete for the top position, having previously played to a 0-0 draw. Rosario Central needs only a draw to secure top spot, while Independiente del Valle must win at home to overtake them. The match between Libertad and Universidad Central will be a mere formality.