The draw held in May determined the fate of the 16 qualifying teams, but the wait is over, and the time has finally come for the action to resume in the quest for “Eternal Glory.” The Round of 16 will be played throughout August: the first legs will take place between August 11 and 13 at the home stadiums of the clubs that finished second in their group stages. The matchups will be decided in the second legs, scheduled for August 18–20, at the home stadiums of the group winners.
This is just the first step in the thrilling knockout rounds, a journey that will conclude on November 28 in Montevideo. Beyond the immense sporting glory, the team that is crowned champion will pocket the historic sum of $25 million—an unprecedented increase announced by President Alejandro Domínguez.
Below, we take a detailed look at the matchups that will have all of South America on the edge of their seats:
Estudiantes vs. Universidad Católica
A showdown between two teams that showed tremendous grit in the group stage. The “Pincha” secured an unforgettable, nail-biting qualification against Independiente Medellín, while the “Cruzados” rose to the occasion on the road to snatch a spot from Boca Juniors right at La Bombonera.
- First Leg: Tuesday, August 11, at 9:30 p.m. at Estadio UNO Jorge Luis Hirschi, La Plata.
- Second leg: Tuesday, August 18, at 8:30 p.m. at the Claro Arena, Santiago, Chile.
Rosario Central vs. Corinthians
The “Canalla” face a monumental challenge against Timão. With Jorge Almirón aiming for his third final as a coach and Ángel Di María leading the attack, they’ll take on Fernando Diniz’s team, the 2023 champions. Moreover, this is a matchup steeped in history: in 2000, the Brazilians eliminated the Rosario side on penalty kicks following a thrilling 5-5 aggregate score at this very stage.
- First Leg: Thursday, August 13, at 9:30 p.m. at the Gigante de Arroyito Stadium, Rosario.
- Second leg: Thursday, August 20, at 9:30 p.m. at the Neo Química Arena, São Paulo.
Cruzeiro vs. Flamengo
The defending champion will look to retain its title in an all-Brazilian matchup. Flamengo will face off against Cruzeiro, which managed to survive an extremely tough group stage, knocking out giants like Boca Juniors and Barcelona SC along the way.
- First leg: Wednesday, August 12, at 9:30 p.m. at Mineirão Stadium, Belo Horizonte.
- Second leg: Wednesday, August 19, at 9:30 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.
Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle
A clash of very distinct styles is expected. The Colombian team will look to leverage its intensity, discipline, and the support of its fans against an Ecuadorian side that boasts a well-established system and international experience, making it an extremely tough opponent.
- First leg: Tuesday, August 11, at 7:30 p.m. at Manuel Murillo Toro Stadium, Ibagué.
- Second Leg: Tuesday, August 18, at 7:30 p.m. at Banco Guayaquil Stadium, Quito.
Mirassol vs. Liga de Quito
Mirassol, one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, faces the most important challenge in its history against a club with extensive continental experience. Interestingly, the two teams already faced off in the group stage, where the Ecuadorians won 2-0 in Quito and the Brazilians responded with a 2-0 victory at home.
- First Leg: Thursday, August 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the José María de Campos Maia Stadium, Mirassol.
- Second leg: Thursday, August 20, at 5:00 p.m. at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium, Quito.
Palmeiras vs. Cerro Porteño
A matchup with all the makings of a classic cup clash. Verdão, always a contender, faces “El Ciclón,” a team that tends to rise to the occasion on nights like these. Based on their Group Stage history, Cerro Porteño holds the advantage after drawing 1-1 in Asunción and pulling off an away upset on Matchday 5 thanks to a goal by Pablo Vegetti.
- First Leg: Wednesday, August 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Allianz Parque Stadium, São Paulo.
- Second leg: Wednesday, August 19, at 7:00 p.m. at Ueno La Nueva Olla Stadium, Asunción.
Platense vs. Coquimbo Unido
Two clubs that have had historic seasons will face off in an unprecedented series, both full of hope for a spot in the Quarterfinals. Both the “Calamar” and the Chilean side have shown ambition and character, finding the Cup to be the perfect stage to grow.
- First Leg: Wednesday, August 12, at 7:00 p.m. at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López, Vicente López.
- Second Leg: Wednesday, August 19, at 6:00 p.m. at the Estadio Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso, Coquimbo.
Fluminense vs. Independiente Rivadavia
The Brazilian team’s pedigree and international experience will be put to the test against “Lepra Mendocina,” another of the tournament’s surprise contenders. Alfredo Berti’s team already gave “Flu” a tough time in the group stage, losing 2-1 at the Maracanã and nearly pulling off a historic victory in Mendoza, had it not been for a last-minute equalizer by John Kennedy in stoppage time.
- First Leg: Tuesday, August 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Maracanã Stadium, Rio de Janeiro.
- Second leg: Tuesday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m. at Malvinas Argentinas Stadium, Mendoza.
The CONMEBOL Libertadores is entering its do-or-die stage. Sixteen teams remain, and from now on, every save, every last-minute goal, and every penalty shootout could mean the difference between elimination or a direct flight to Montevideo to lift South America’s most coveted trophy.