Defending Copa Libertadores champions Estudiantes progressed to the quarter-finals of the competition by beating Mexico's San Luis 3-1 to claim a 4-1 aggregate win.

A brace from Leandro Benitez helped Alejandro Sabella's side, who are also leading the local Clausura tournament, qualify for the next round. Estudiantes took an early lead with Leandro Gonzalez scoring in the fourth minute after Leandro Desabato headed on a Juan Sebastian Veron free-kick.

However, the visitors equalised through Diego de la Torre, assisted by Venezuela midfielder Cesar Gonzalez. Benitez grabbed his first of the night five minutes after the interval, when he stole the ball off Ignacio Torres and beat San Luis goal keeper Carlos Trejo.

And he doubled his tally 10 minutes later when Veron passed the ball back for him to slot home a left-footed shot. Estudiantes will play either compatriots Banfield or Brazil's Internacional in the quarter-finals.

Gonzalez told Fox Sports: "We go step by step. Firstly, we had to pass this match. Now, we are pointing at the league rivals on Sunday. That's the way not to lose control."

Brazilian giants Flamengo and Cruzeiro also secured their place in the quarter-finals. Ronaldo scored for Corinthians as they beat compatriots Flamengo 2-1 on the night, but the visitors reached the next round on away goals, after a 2-2 aggregate draw.

An own goal by David and Ronaldo's effort had given the hosts hope in the first half but Vagner Love's 49th-minute goal following a Kleberson assist proved crucial at the Pacaembu stadium.

In Uruguay, Cruzeiro showed no mercy against Nacional as the Belo Horizonte side won 3-0 to clinch a 6-1 aggregate win. After a 3-1 home victory last week, Thiago Ribeiro gave Cruzeiro the lead tonight with a 29th-minute free-kick while Diego Coates doubled their advantage three minutes after the break. Gilberto secured the win with ten minutes remaining.

Nacional ended the game with nine men as defender Sebastian Coates and forward Gustavo Varela were sent off during the second half, while Cruzeiro defender Leonardo Silva also saw red.

Flamengo will face either Alianza Lima of Peru or Universidad de Chile, while Cruzeiro will play compatriots Sao Paulo.