- The CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16 will mark the return of action in South America’s premier club competition.
- Fluminense and Independiente Rivadavia will open the new stage on the road to the Final, to be played in Montevideo on November 28.
The continent is ready to come alive once again as CONMEBOL Libertadores action resumes. The road to ‘Eternal Glory’ continues with the first legs of the Round of 16, a stage that signals the beginning of the tournament’s decisive phase and features eight high-profile matchups.
Sixteen teams remain in contention with one shared objective: to reach the grand final and lift South America’s most prestigious club trophy. With ties steeped in history, iconic stadiums preparing for another special occasion and star players ready to take center stage, the opening 90 minutes of each matchup will begin to shape which teams can take another step toward continental glory.
Fluminense vs. Independiente Rivadavia
A reunion between two teams that already faced each other in the Group Stage. The Mendoza side will return to the Maracanã, where it wrote one of the most important chapters in its history with a 2-1 victory in its first-ever international away match. That historic result was followed by an outstanding campaign in Group C, where Independiente Rivadavia finished top with five wins and one draw from six matches. In the reverse fixture in Argentina, Fluminense snatched a dramatic late draw that helped spark a comeback in the standings, eventually qualifying as runners-up ahead of Bolívar and Deportivo La Guaira.
'Flu' currently sit fourth in the Brasileirão, although they have yet to win since the post-Club World Cup restart and were eliminated from the Copa do Brasil by Vasco da Gama along the way. Strengthened by the arrivals of Hulk and Thiago Silva, a CONMEBOL Libertadores runner-up in 2008, Luis Zubeldía will look to guide the team toward a second continental title after lifting the trophy in 2023 following an unforgettable Final against Boca Juniors.
Fluminense in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Independiente Rivadavia have maintained the level of prominence they showed during the first half of the year, currently sitting among the top eight in their group in Argentina's 2026 Clausura. Alfredo Berti's side boast Álex Arce, the CONMEBOL Libertadores top scorer, while Matías Fernández has emerged as one of the team's standout performers. They will, however, face the challenge of replacing Sebastián Villa, one of the key pieces in their attacking structure. With several reinforcements arriving late in the window, 'La Lepra' are dreaming of making more history and will once again face a major test.
Independiente Rivadavia in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Match details
Stadium: Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
Date and time: Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Referee: Cristian Garay (CHI)
VAR: Fernando Vejar (CHI)
Match facts:
- Fluminense recorded the most sequences of 10+ passes during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage (102, 17 more than second-placed Corinthians). Independiente Rivadavia, meanwhile, recorded the second-fewest such sequences (14, two more than Peñarol).
- Independiente Rivadavia scored 15 goals in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage, the highest total by an Argentine team in a single group stage since River Plate in 2022 (18) and the most by a tournament debutant since Mexico's Monarcas Morelia in 2002 (15).
- This is the third time Fluminense have played more than two matches against the same opponent in a single CONMEBOL Libertadores edition, after facing Liga de Quito in 2008 (4 games, 2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss) and Boca in 2012 (4 games, 1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses).
- Fluminense have progressed from six of the seven Round of 16 ties they have contested in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, with their only elimination coming against Libertad in 2011. Their 86% success rate is the second-best among teams to have appeared in the round more than three times, behind Santos at 90% (9 out of 10).
- Independiente Rivadavia are one of four Argentine teams to have won at the Maracanã in the CONMEBOL Libertadores (2-1 against Fluminense in 2026), after Central Córdoba (2025), Argentinos Juniors (1985) and Independiente (1964). Of those sides, only Independiente won there in a knockout match, defeating Santos in the semifinals, and no Argentine club has ever won twice at the stadium in the competition.
Estudiantes vs. Universidad Católica
Estudiantes and Universidad Católica will meet again in the CONMEBOL Libertadores more than half a century after their previous encounter. Their only prior meeting in the tournament came in 1969, when the La Plata side won both matches of a tie that formed part of their path toward a second consecutive continental title.
The context is different this time around: 'El Pincha' advanced as runners-up in their group after a demanding Group Stage, while 'Los Cruzados' finished top of a section that also featured Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro.
Estudiantes in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Estudiantes will look to make home advantage count in La Plata before travelling to Santiago. Alexander Medina's side showed a highly competitive version of themselves in the CONMEBOL Libertadores during the first half of the year and can call upon experienced players such as Fernando Muslera, as well as the attacking spark of Tiago Palacios, the team's leading scorer in the Group Stage with three goals.
Their continental campaign comes amid an inconsistent spell in the Argentine league, where they are still searching for greater continuity. They must also cope with the departure of Mikel Amondarain, who scored the goal that ultimately secured qualification against Independiente Medellín before completing a move to Italian side Bologna.
Universidad Católica in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Universidad Católica travel to Argentina on the back of a Group Stage campaign full of character, particularly away from Santiago, where they won all three of their matches. Fernando Zampedri remains the focal point of the attack and one of the squad's leaders, while Clemente Montes has added directness and played a role in several of the team's most decisive attacking moves under Daniel Garnero.
'Los Cruzados' are also maintaining their challenge near the top of the Chilean league and will approach the tie with the confidence gained from overcoming a highly competitive group. The match will also carry extra significance for Fernando Zuqui, who returns to La Plata to face Estudiantes, the club where he spent a lengthy spell of his career before continuing it in Chile.
Match details
Stadium: UNO Jorge Luis Hirschi, La Plata
Date and time: Tuesday, August 11 at 9:30 p.m.
Referee: Raphael Claus (BRA)
VAR: Rodrigo Guarizo (BRA)
Match facts:
- Universidad Católica scored four goals from corners in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026, the highest total in the Group Stage. Since records began in 2013, only two teams have scored more from corners in a single group stage: Palmeiras in 2022 and River Plate in 2017, with five each.
- Estudiantes generated the most shots following high regains during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage, with 13, although they did not score from any of them.
- Fernando Zampedri (Universidad Católica) made 56 runs in behind the defensive line during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage, a figure bettered only by Dorny Romero (Bolívar, 57) and Yuri Alberto (Corinthians, 59).
- The only previous meeting between Estudiantes and Universidad Católica in CONMEBOL competitions came in the 1969 CONMEBOL Libertadores semifinals, with 'El Pincha' winning both matches 3-1 on their way to a second consecutive title. In the match in Argentina, Juan Ramón Verón opened the scoring in the seventh minute.
- Universidad Católica have taken points from four of their last six CONMEBOL Libertadores away matches against Argentine opponents, recording three wins and one draw (2 losses). Estudiantes, meanwhile, have won six of their eight home matches against Chilean opposition in the competition (2 losses).
Deportes Tolima vs. Independiente del Valle
Deportes Tolima and Independiente del Valle meet again four years after sharing a group in the 2022 CONMEBOL Libertadores. That story began with a 2-2 draw in Ecuador and continued with a 1-0 victory for the Colombian side in Ibagué, a result that helped 'El Pijao' advance to the Round of 16.
The Ecuadorians' campaign went in another direction: they finished third in the group, dropped into the CONMEBOL Sudamericana and ultimately lifted the trophy. This time, they face each other in a direct knockout tie after taking different routes through the 2026 competition. Tolima had to negotiate two qualifying rounds before finishing second in Group B, while Independiente del Valle topped Group H with 13 points.
Deportes Tolima in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Tolima see the Manuel Murillo Toro as one of their strongest assets in their bid to take an advantage into the second leg. They produced their best continental results at home, recording a pair of 3-0 wins against Coquimbo Unido and Nacional during the Group Stage.
The team enter the Round of 16 with Sebastián Oliveros as head coach following Lucas González's departure and have made a strong start to the Colombian Clausura, collecting nine points from four matches to sit third. Neto Volpi, a decisive presence in goal throughout the competition, and Luis Sandoval, the team's main attacking reference, are among the key figures in a squad aiming to take the only Colombian representative still standing in the CONMEBOL Libertadores even further.
Independiente del Valle in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Independiente del Valle arrive in Ibagué during one of the strongest spells of their season. Joaquín Papa's side secured first place in the LigaPro regular season with six matches to spare after beating Liga de Quito 2-0, reaching 61 points from 24 games with 58 goals scored.
That attacking power was also evident in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, where they scored 11 times in the Group Stage and found one of the competition's leading marksmen in Carlos González, who struck six goals. With Junior Sornoza pulling the strings and a structure that blends experienced players with emerging talents, the 2019 and 2022 CONMEBOL Sudamericana champions will look to carry their domestic dominance into the major objective that still eludes them: winning 'Eternal Glory' for the first time.
Match details
Stadium: Manuel Murillo Toro, Ibagué
Date and time: Temporarily suspended. Further information regarding the rescheduling will be provided shortly.
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (BRA)
VAR: Daniel Nobre (BRA)
Match facts:
- Tolima are the third Colombian team to progress from the qualifying rounds to the Round of 16 in a CONMEBOL Libertadores edition, after Junior in 2005 and Santa Fe in 2006. Neither of those previous two teams went on to reach the quarterfinals.
- Tolima (third, 62%) and Independiente del Valle (fifth, 59%) were among the five teams with the highest average possession figures during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage.
- Independiente del Valle's 131 shots in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 are the most recorded by any team in a single Group Stage since records began in 2013.
- Tolima and Independiente del Valle have faced each other twice in the CONMEBOL Libertadores, with 'Los Pijaos' drawing 2-2 away and winning 1-0 at home in the 2022 Group Stage. Only one team has played more than two matches against 'El Negriazul' in the competition without ever losing: Palmeiras, with four wins from four.
- Independiente del Valle have four wins in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026. They have reached five or more victories in a single edition only once before: eight wins in 2016, when they finished as runners-up.
Platense vs. Coquimbo Unido
Platense and Coquimbo Unido arrive in the Round of 16 with one major point in common: both won their countries' top-flight championships for the first time in 2025 and, only a few months later, secured places among the final 16 teams in South America.
For 'El Calamar', this CONMEBOL Libertadores also represents their first-ever appearance in international competition; for 'El Pirata', it is only their second participation in the tournament after their previous campaign in 1992.
Both teams collected ten points in the Group Stage, although they followed different paths. The Argentine side advanced behind Corinthians and sealed qualification with an impressive 2-0 victory in São Paulo, while the Chileans finished top of a group featuring Deportes Tolima, Nacional and Universitario.
Platense in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Platense will begin the tie in Vicente López amid the start of a new era. Martín Palermo returned to the club to replace Walter Zunino and enjoyed a promising debut with a 1-0 win away to Independiente in Argentina's Clausura.
The coaching change has been accompanied by a reshaping of the squad, with Nicolás 'Diente' López, Gastón Togni and Luciano Giménez among the new arrivals as the club searches for alternatives following Tomás Nasif's serious injury. Franco Zapiola, who has scored three goals in the competition, and Guido Mainero, a decisive figure both in the 2025 Apertura triumph and throughout the continental campaign, remain two of the team's key players. Platense have already shown they can perform away from home, collecting six of their ten Group Stage points on the road.
Coquimbo Unido in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Coquimbo Unido will have the advantage of deciding the tie at the Francisco Sánchez Rumoroso, the stadium where they took the decisive steps toward reaching this stage for the first time. Hernán Caputto's side came from behind against Universitario before defeating Deportes Tolima 3-0 to secure qualification ahead of the final matchday.
Nicolás Johansen provides presence inside the penalty area, Guido Vadalá adds movement and creativity around him, while Cristian Zavala has also contributed important goals during the campaign. 'El Pirata', Chilean champions in 2025 and winners of the Super Cup at the start of this year, are enjoying the most successful period in their history and will see the tie against Platense as another opportunity to extend their international journey.
Match details
Stadium: Ciudad de Vicente López, Vicente López
Date and time: Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Referee: Juan Benítez (PAR)
VAR: Ulises Mereles (PAR)
Match facts:
- Coquimbo Unido, from Coquimbo, are the first Chilean team from outside the Santiago Metropolitan Region to reach the knockout stages of the CONMEBOL Libertadores since 2003, when Cobreloa of Antofagasta eliminated Mexico's Pumas UNAM in the Round of 16 before losing to Boca in the quarterfinals.
- Platense recorded the highest percentage of long passes as a share of their total passes during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage (21.8%). Coquimbo ranked eighth among the 32 teams with 17.7%.
- Franco Zapiola (Platense) registered 14 shots and created 14 shooting opportunities for teammates during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage. Only one other player reached both marks: Palmeiras' Allan, with 14 shots and 15 chances created for shots.
- Coquimbo Unido have four players who have scored two or more goals in the current CONMEBOL Libertadores (Cristián Zavala, Manuel Fernández, Nicolás Johansen and Guido Vadalá, with two each). Only Flamengo match that total of multiple-goal scorers in the Group Stage, also with four.
- Platense are aiming to become the third Argentine debutants to progress from a Round of 16 tie since the stage was introduced in 1989, after Colón in 1998 and Banfield in 2005.
Palmeiras vs. Cerro Porteño
Palmeiras and Cerro Porteño did not have to wait long to meet again. After sharing Group F of the CONMEBOL Libertadores, the Brazilian and Paraguayan sides will now face each other with a place in the next round at stake. The first chapter of their story favored 'El Ciclón': they drew 1-1 in Asunción and then claimed a 1-0 victory in São Paulo, a result that proved decisive in securing top spot in the group with 13 points, two more than their opponents.
Palmeiras in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Palmeiras will play the first leg at Allianz Parque while enjoying a dominant spell in Brazil. Abel Ferreira's side lead the Brasileirão with 47 points from 21 matches and only two defeats, having also won the Campeonato Paulista while remaining in contention on several fronts.
The CONMEBOL Libertadores nevertheless carries particular significance following the defeat to Flamengo in the 2025 Final. Jhon Arias, who scored three goals during the Group Stage, José Manuel López and Vitor Roque form part of an attack with multiple options for a squad once again regarded among the title contenders. Their immediate challenge will be finding answers against the only opponent to have beaten them during this year's continental campaign.
Cerro Porteño in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Cerro Porteño travel to São Paulo with the confidence of knowing that success at this venue is possible, although their start to the Paraguayan Clausura has been more uneven and they arrive after a 1-0 defeat to Sportivo Ameliano. Ariel Holan built a team that proved difficult to break down during the CONMEBOL Libertadores: after losing their opening match against Sporting Cristal, they conceded only one goal across the following five matchdays and collected enough points to finish top of their group.
Pablo Vegetti scored three times and proved decisive both against Junior and Palmeiras themselves, while Jorge Morel established himself as a central figure in midfield. With six Semifinal appearances in their history but still searching for their first title, 'El Ciclón' will hope that what happened during the first half of the year proves to be more than simply an encouraging precedent.
Match details
Stadium: Allianz Parque, São Paulo
Date and time: Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Referee: Gustavo Tejera (URU)
VAR: Leodán González (URU)
Match facts:
- Palmeiras recorded the most passes breaking the opposition's defensive line during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage (45), while Marlon Freitas led all players in that category with 12.
- Cerro Porteño and Palmeiras will reach 20 meetings in the CONMEBOL Libertadores after this tie, making it the most frequently played matchup between teams from different countries in the competition's history. This will be their third meeting in the knockout stages, all in the Round of 16, with the Brazilian side progressing on both previous occasions.
- Palmeiras averaged 70% possession and 1.99 expected goals per match against Cerro Porteño during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage. However, 'El Ciclón' conceded only one goal across the two matches and remained unbeaten (1 win, 1 draw).
- Pablo Vegetti (Cerro Porteño) contested the most aerial duels during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage, with 69. He also ranked second for aerial duels won, with 30, behind Nacional's Maxi Gómez (33).
- Cerro Porteño have taken points from three of their last five away matches in Brazil in CONMEBOL Libertadores knockout rounds (2 wins, 1 draw, 2 losses), including a 1-0 victory over Palmeiras in the 2018 Round of 16.
Cruzeiro vs. Flamengo
Cruzeiro and Flamengo will contest one of the all-Brazilian ties in the Round of 16, bringing together two clubs with major histories in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. 'A Raposa', champions in 1976 and 1997, returned to the competition after a seven-year absence and managed to progress from a group that also featured Universidad Católica, Boca Juniors and Barcelona. They collected 11 points and sealed qualification with a 4-0 win on the final matchday.
On the other side are the defending champions. Flamengo began the defence of their 2025 title with the best record of the entire Group Stage, collecting 16 of the 18 available points and finishing unbeaten. The tie will begin in Belo Horizonte before being decided one week later at the Maracanã.
Cruzeiro in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Cruzeiro will look to turn the Mineirão into the starting point of a tie that represents another major test in their return to the continental elite. Artur Jorge, who won the CONMEBOL Libertadores with Botafogo in 2024, built a team during the Group Stage capable of alternating between taking the initiative and absorbing pressure, finishing with four clean sheets in six matches.
Matheus Pereira had a decisive influence from midfield and scored four goals, while Kaio Jorge enters the tie as the team's leading scorer this season with 14. Fagner, who was involved in three goals during the first phase, is another key figure in a side that will look to build an advantage at home and travel to the Maracanã with a genuine chance of completing the upset.
Flamengo in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Flamengo approach the tie from a different position: they are seeking to defend their crown. After winning their fourth title against Palmeiras in 2025, the Rio de Janeiro side once again displayed their strength on the continental stage, scoring 14 goals and conceding only two across their six matches in Group A. Bruno Henrique led the attacking production with four goals, Giorgian de Arrascaeta remains a central figure in their creative play and Pedro arrives with 21 goals this season.
The tie also carries a particular storyline on the touchline: Leonardo Jardim took charge of Flamengo in March after managing Cruzeiro during 2025. He will now return to the Mineirão as an opponent, leading a squad aiming to become the first Brazilian club to win the CONMEBOL Libertadores five times.
Match details
Stadium: Allianz Parque, São Paulo
Date and time: Wednesday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Referee: Yael Falcón (ARG)
VAR: Héctor Paletta (ARG)
Match facts:
- The only previous CONMEBOL Libertadores edition in which Cruzeiro and Flamengo met was in 2018, when 'A Raposa' eliminated 'O Rubro-Negro' in the Round of 16 with a 2-1 aggregate score, with each team winning away from home. Giorgian de Arrascaeta, who is tied with Bruno Henrique for the most CONMEBOL Libertadores appearances in Flamengo's history (67), scored for Cruzeiro in that tie.
- Cruzeiro have progressed from four of their last five CONMEBOL Libertadores knockout ties against Brazilian opponents since 2009, with their only elimination coming against São Paulo in the 2010 quarterfinals. Flamengo, meanwhile, have advanced from six of their last seven knockout ties against Brazilian opposition in the competition since 2019, with the only exception being the 2021 Final against Palmeiras.
- Flamengo have lost only one of their last 17 CONMEBOL Libertadores matches, a 1-0 away defeat to Estudiantes in the 2025 quarterfinals, recording 12 wins and four draws in that span. They conceded only five goals during that run, an average of 0.3 per match.
- Matheus Pereira was directly involved in 63% of Cruzeiro's goals in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026, with four goals and one assist from 'A Raposa's' eight goals. That is the highest percentage among players whose teams qualified for the knockout stage and the third-highest in the Group Stage overall, behind Lucas Colitto with Cusco (75%) and Lorenzo Melgarejo with Libertad (100%).
- Only Álex Arce (8 with Independiente Rivadavia) was directly involved in more goals than Bruno Henrique (6, four goals and two assists) during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026. The Flamengo forward recorded the best Group Stage of his career in that category, matching his six goal involvements from 2022, when he scored once and provided five assists as 'O Rubro-Negro' went on to win the title.
Mirassol vs. Liga de Quito
Mirassol and Liga de Quito will meet again only a few months after featuring in one of the most evenly matched groups of the Group Stage. Both finished with 12 points, four wins and two defeats, while also splitting their head-to-head meetings: LDU won 2-0 in Ecuador before the São Paulo side responded with the same scoreline in Brazil. They even finished with the same goal difference, with first place going to the Ecuadorians solely because they had scored one more goal. After six matchdays in which virtually nothing separated them, they will now have 180 minutes to establish a definitive difference.
Mirassol in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Mirassol will open the tie at the José Maria de Campos Maia, the stadium where they built much of their surprising continental campaign. They won all three Group Stage matches there and did not concede against Lanús, Always Ready or Liga de Quito themselves. The contrast comes in the Brasileirão, where they have yet to reproduce the extraordinary form that carried them to fourth place during their debut top-flight season in 2025.
Rafael Guanaes continues to rely on Reinaldo, the captain who provides experience to a squad competing internationally for the first time, and Shaylon, one of the team's most creative players. Their attacking output also reflects the collective nature of the side: all seven of their goals in the tournament have been scored by different players.
Liga de Quito in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Liga de Quito will contest the tie under different leadership from the coach who guided them through the Group Stage. Gustavo Álvarez replaced Tiago Nunes in July and began his tenure with two victories before a 2-0 defeat to leaders Independiente del Valle. The 2008 South American champions also arrive with the recent memory of reaching the Semifinals in 2025 and with the opportunity to decide the tie at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado, where they collected all nine available points during the first phase.
Gonzalo Valle provides security in goal, while Deyverson — who scored a decisive brace against Always Ready on the final matchday — brings experience in a competition he has already won with Palmeiras. Having experienced both sides of this matchup during the Group Stage, LDU must now find a way to return from Brazil with a result that allows them to make the most of the second leg in Quito.
Match details
Stadium: José María de Campos Maia, Mirassol
Date and time: Thursday, August 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Referee: Alexis Herrera (VEN)
VAR: Juan Soto (VEN)
Match facts:
- Mirassol's home match against Liga de Quito was their best performance of the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage in terms of shots (15), shots on target (8) and crosses (26). It was also their second-best match for expected goals (2.06 xG), behind only their away match against Always Ready (2.13 xG). Mirassol beat the Ecuadorians 2-0.
- Leonel Quiñónez (Liga de Quito) completed 76 line-breaking passes during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage, the second-highest total in that phase behind Boca's Leandro Paredes (89).
- Brazilian teams have won 19 of their 22 home matches against Liga de Quito in the CONMEBOL Libertadores (1 draw, 2 losses). However, both of LDU's victories came in knockout rounds: 1-0 against Santos in the 2020 Round of 16 and 1-0 against São Paulo in the 2025 quarterfinals.
- Liga de Quito scored five goals after the 70th minute in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026, tied with Flamengo for the highest total in the Group Stage. However, four of those goals were scored at home.
- Alesson is one of seven Mirassol players to have scored in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026. He also leads the team in assists (3), total shots (7), big chances created (3), touches in the opposition box (17), attempted dribbles (18) and completed dribbles (7) in the competition.
Rosario Central vs. Corinthians
Rosario Central and Corinthians will meet again in the CONMEBOL Libertadores Round of 16, 26 years after a tie that required a penalty shootout to determine the winner. In 2000, 'El Canalla' won 3-2 in Arroyito before 'O Timão' recorded the same scoreline in São Paulo and eventually secured qualification from the spot.
The new chapter finds Central coming off a 13-point campaign in Group H in which they conceded only one goal across six matches, while Corinthians finished top of Group E with 11 points and secured their place among the final 16 with two games still to play. As in 2000, the tie will begin in Rosario and conclude on Brazilian soil.
Rosario Central in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Rosario Central enter this challenge with Ángel Di María as their standard-bearer and a structure that has made defensive solidity one of the foundations of their campaign. Jorge Almirón's side won four of their six Group Stage matches and kept clean sheets in five of them, with Jeremías Ledesma and Ignacio Ovando among the standout figures in that system.
Enzo Copetti also contributed important goals, while the transfer window added options such as Franco Cervi, Tomás Badaloni and Alan Rodríguez for the second half of the year. Their current form is also encouraging: after opening the Argentine Clausura without a win in their first two matches, 'El Canalla' defeated River Plate at the Monumental and Aldosivi at the 'Gigante' in successive games before turning their attention back to the CONMEBOL Libertadores.
Corinthians in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026: results, squad and schedule
Corinthians travel to Rosario under Fernando Diniz and with the advantage of deciding the tie one week later at the Neo Química Arena. The 2012 CONMEBOL Libertadores champions opened their campaign with three consecutive 2-0 victories and quickly built the advantage that would ultimately secure top spot in their group, although they ended that phase with a home defeat to Platense.
Rodrigo Garro was decisive creatively, providing four assists across those six matches, while Gustavo Henrique emerged as the team's leading scorer with three goals. Memphis Depay and Jesse Lingard add further options to a squad packed with international experience. Garro also arrives at the tie after scoring in a 2-0 Brasileirão victory over Red Bull Bragantino, an encouraging sign for 'O Timão' as they seek to repeat the outcome of that unforgettable 2000 series.
Match details
Stadium: Gigante de Arroyito, Rosario
Date and time: Thursday, August 13 at 9:30 p.m.
Referee: Andrés Matonte (URU)
VAR: Christian Ferreyra (URU)
Match facts:
- Corinthians and Rosario Central have met in one previous CONMEBOL Libertadores edition, in the 2000 Round of 16. Each team won 3-2 at home before the Brazilian side advanced 4-3 in a penalty shootout that featured a save from Dida. Juan Antonio Pizzi scored for 'El Canalla' in both matches, while Luizão scored four goals, including two braces, and Edilson also found the net for 'O Timão'.
- Corinthians and Rosario Central scored the most goals from set pieces during the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage, with five each. Centre-back Gustavo Henrique was involved in four of Corinthians' goals from dead-ball situations, scoring three and assisting one, while Rosario Central centre-back Ignacio Ovando was involved in two, scoring both himself.
- Ángel Di María (Rosario Central) was one of only two players in the CONMEBOL Libertadores 2026 Group Stage to record at least 10 in each of the following categories: completed crosses (11), chances created for shots (12), total dribbles (27) and fouls won (13), alongside Platense's Franco Zapiola.
- Corinthians are unbeaten in their last six away matches against Argentine opponents in the CONMEBOL Libertadores (3 wins, 3 draws), a run stretching back to 2015. They are also unbeaten away from home in the current edition (1 win, 2 draws), including a 2-0 victory over Platense.
- Rosario Central are unbeaten at home in CONMEBOL Libertadores knockout rounds, excluding Group Stage playoffs, with seven wins and two draws from nine matches. They have also won all four ties in which they played the first leg at home.
