Paraguayan side Libertad came from behind to beat Uruguayan giants Nacional 2-1 on Thursday and book their place in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16.

Tabare Viudez silenced the Nicolas Leoz stadium in Asuncion in the ninth minute, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to beat goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz.

But 25 minutes from time the hosts finally responded as Carlos Bonnet teed up Pablo Velazquez for the equaliser, and then in stoppage time Victor Caceres smashed home a rebound to win the match.

"Nacional are a very big club on this continent and it was tough when we conceded an early goal, but we showed all of our courage to clinch qualification," Caceres said. "From now on the Copa Libertadores starts for real. And we must be prepared."

The win puts Libertad top of Group 5, level on points with Brazilian giants Vasco Da Gama, who progress alongside them while Nacional and Peru's Alianza Lima go out.

In Group 1, Juan Aurich refused to roll over after their own elimination and instead dealt a blow to Bolivia's The Strongest, beating them 1-0.

Javier Araujo got the goal in the 21st minute and the hosts then successfully stifled The Strongest's attacks to leave goalkeeper Diego Penny relatively untroubled.

The Strongest must now beat Brazilian giants Santos in Sao Paulo to go through.