Independiente Rivadavia secured qualification for the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores after a 1-1 draw with Fluminense in Mendoza.

In their first appearance in the competition, the Argentine side reached 10 points and stayed top of Group C.

Alex Arce gives the hosts the lead

Independiente Rivadavia started strongly and created chances early through Fabrizio Sartori and a header from Alex Arce that hit the crossbar.

Fluminense struggled to create danger before halftime.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 66th minute when Alex Arce scored with a powerful header to put the hosts ahead.

Late equalizer from Fluminense

The Brazilian side improved after making substitutions and pushed forward late in the match.

In the 90th minute, John Kennedy found the equalizer after reacting to a loose ball inside the area, with his shot taking a deflection before beating Nicolás Blocato.

The result leaves Fluminense needing victories in their final two group matches to keep their qualification hopes alive.

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