Reigning Copa Sudamericana champions Liga de Quito of Ecuador claimed a creditable goalless draw in their visit to Newell's Old Boys in Argentina.

Newell's had the better opportunities in the first leg of their quarter-final but Liga stood firm to keep them out. The best chance came in the 70th minute, when Newell's forward Luis Rodriguez nodded a Marcelo Estigarribia cross goalwards but Gonzalo Chila headed the ball clear inches from the line.

Newell's midfielder Mauricio Sperdutti told Fox Sports: "We put in the effort and had the chances. The Liga players have been playing together for a long time and won a number of titles. We are at 0-0 and there are 90 minutes remaining. I hope we can win in Ecuador."

Liga midfielder Ulises de la Cruz said: "We played very tough opponents. They attacked well and quickly. In the first 90 minutes, we did our job. Newell's did not score. In the second leg we'll be more comfortable."

The winners will face either Tolima of Colombia or Argentinian giants Independiente.