Paraguay's Libertad became the first club to guarantee a spot in the Copa Libertadores knockout round of 16 after a 1-0 win at Peru's Universidad San Martin on Tuesday.
Sergio Aquino scored a penalty in the 25th minute to secure the win. Coupled with Once Caldas' 1-1 draw with Mexican club San Luis later in the day, Libertad is assured of finishing in the top two in Group 1.
Also Tuesday, Santiago Garcia scored the lone goal as Uruguayan club Nacional won 1-0 at Argentinos Juniors to claim its first win in the Copa Libertadores group stage.
The top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout round.
Libertad moved to the brink of a spot in the last 16 after San Martin defender Julio Moreyra handled a cross from Carlos Bonet and was sent off, with Aquino converted the ensuing penalty.
The win moved Libertad to 10 points from four matches, ahead of San Martin by four points.
Later Tuesday, Libertad's place in the knockout round was confirmed when a stoppage-time equalizer from Juan Medina leveled the scores for San Luis at 2004 champion Once Caldas.
Luis Alberto Nunez had opened the scoring for Once Caldas in the 79th minute.
The game was marred by a brawl between the players a few minutes before the equalizer, which led to red cards for Guillermo Rangel and Sergio Ponce of San Luis and Alexis Henriquez of Once Caldas.
The draw did little to help either side's qualification hopes. After four games, Once Caldas has three points, while San Luis has two in last place.
Also Tuesday, Nacional surprised Argentinos Juniors with a 1-0 win in Buenos Aires.
Garcia scored the winner with a low shot across the goal in the 34th minute after Santiago Gentiletti was caught in possession in defense.
The victory moved Nacional to four points from four games in Group 3, with Argentinos still leading the group on seven. Mexico's America has six and Fluminense of Brazil has two, with both clubs having played a game less.
The Copa Libertadores is the top international club competition in Latin America.
Group matches continue through March and April. The final is scheduled for June.
