Fluminense booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana after defeating Once Caldas 2-0 on Thursday at the Maracanã, claiming the top spot in Group F and sending the Colombian side to the playoff round.

The Brazilian champions struck early with a goal from Martinelli in the 2nd minute, followed by another from Colombian winger Kevin Serna in the 33rd, securing a convincing win in front of their home fans before heading to the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

With the result, Fluminense finished the group stage with 13 points, edging Once Caldas (12), who now drop to second and must face a playoff match against a Copa Libertadores third-place team to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.

The loss was a major blow for Once Caldas, who led the group for most of the campaign with four straight wins. However, their only two defeats — both against Fluminense — proved costly, as they needed just a draw in Rio to secure direct qualification to the next round.