Atletico Tucuman's Cinderella story continues
Defending champions edge through
FIFA.com looks back on the Round of 16 action in South America
Debutants Atletico Tucuman made arguably the biggest splash in the 2018 Copa Libertadores Round of 16 by advancing to the competition's quarter-finals. All the other remaining teams in the last eight have lifted the trophy before. They include reigning champions Gremio, who kept their title defence alive in truly nail-biting fashion.
Lest anyone forget, there is more than just continental glory up for grabs: the winners will earn a berth at the FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018. FIFA.com looks back on the Round of 16 action in South America.
Results
28 August Santos 0-0 Gremio Atletico Nacional 1-0
29 August River Plate Cruzeiro Corinthians 2-1
30 August Libertad 2-4 Palmeiras
Talking points from the Round of 16
Champions just survive
It took substitute Alisson's goal in the third minute of stoppage time to prevent holders Gremio from crashing out. Having so dramatically forced a penalty shoot-out in their tie against Estudiantes de la Plata, the Brazilians then triumphed from the spot to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
Surprise package keep fairy-tale run going
Argentinian minnows Atletico Tucuman held off two-time champions Atletico Nacional in Medellin to reach the last eight in their maiden campaign. They are the only team still in contention who have not previously lifted the trophy.
Milestones for Colo-Colo
After nine failed attempts, Colo-Colo finally overcame Brazilian opposition in a continental knockout tie. Moreover, by edging past Corinthians, El Cacique ended a 21-year wait to return to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals.
Independiente also back in big time
Seven-time winners Independiente, the most decorated club in the tournament's history, also put paid to a long spell in the wilderness, reaching the last eight for the first time since 1990. That year, they were knocked out by River Plate, whom they meet in the quarter-finals again this time round. Is there some long-awaited revenge on the cards?
Scolari showcases special touch again
Brazilian coach Luiz Felipe Scolari celebrated his 60th appearance in the dugout in Copa Libertadores action by guiding Palmeiras through to the quarter-finals. This is the sixth time he has been at the helm of a Brazilian club in the competition and he has led his charges to at least the last eight on each occasion.
Quarter-final draw
Independiente v River Plate
Atletico Tucuman v Gremio
Colo-Colo v Palmeiras
Boca Juniors v Cruzeiro
The teams listed first will play the first-leg matches at home