Vélez Sarsfield secured their place in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 as Group H leaders after earning a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Peñarol on Thursday in Montevideo — a result that felt like a victory for the Argentine side.

Heading into the final group stage match as leaders, Vélez needed at least a draw to clinch the top spot, and they did just that in a game that offered few clear scoring chances.

Both teams finished the group stage with 11 points, but Vélez claimed first place thanks to their superior goal difference (+7), while Peñarol ended with +5.

Elsewhere in the group, Olimpia finished last despite a dominant 4-0 win over San Antonio Bulo Bulo, who ended third with 6 points and will now move to the Copa Sudamericana playoff round.