The knockout stage of this thrilling tournament is heating up as we approach the second leg of the Round of 16. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, promises a feast of football drama, with several tight contests poised to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Each match holds the promise of a place in the quarter-finals, with dreams of reaching the final tantalizingly close for those who can navigate these crucial fixtures.
First up, Independiente Rivadavia#2 · 13 pts and Fluminense#18 · 8 pts will battle it out after a goalless draw in the first leg. The aggregate is locked at 0-0, leaving everything to play for. Independiente Rivadavia#2 · 13 pts holds a slight advantage with a 56.4% chance to progress, but Fluminense#18 · 8 pts is not far behind at 37.9%. Both teams have their eyes set on a deeper run, with Independiente Rivadavia#2 · 13 pts having a 30% chance of reaching the semifinals and Fluminense#18 · 8 pts at 17.6%. A single goal could tilt the scales dramatically in this tense showdown.
Next, Universidad Católica#5 · 13 pts hosts Estudiantes de La Plata#14 · 9 pts after a 1-1 draw in their first meeting. With the aggregate score also at 1-1, Universidad Católica#5 · 13 pts has the upper hand with a 64.7% chance of advancing, while Estudiantes#14 · 9 pts sits at 39.4%. Universidad Católica#5 · 13 pts fans will be hopeful for a continuation of their team's strong form, reflected in their 32.4% chance of making the semifinals. Estudiantes#14 · 9 pts, however, will aim to defy the odds and move forward.
On Wednesday, August 19, Cerro Porteño#11 · 10 pts welcomes Palmeiras#6 · 11 pts after a 1-1 draw in Brazil. The aggregate is evenly matched, yet Palmeiras#6 · 11 pts holds a 60.6% chance of progressing, likely buoyed by their recent performances in the league. Cerro Porteño#11 · 10 pts, with a 35.3% chance to advance, will look to make the most of their home advantage in this crucial leg.
Simultaneously, Coquimbo Unido#12 · 10 pts will face Club Atlético Platense#13 · 10 pts with the scores level at 1-1. Coquimbo Unido#12 · 10 pts appears slightly more favored with a 58.8% chance to advance, compared to Platense#13 · 10 pts's 43.6%. Both teams are aiming to carve a path to the semifinals, where their chances drop to 28.3% and 20.3%, respectively.
Later that evening, Flamengo#1 · 13 pts hosts Cruzeiro#7 · 11 pts with the aggregate also balanced at 1-1. Flamengo#1 · 13 pts is in a relatively strong position with a 64.7% chance of advancing, while Cruzeiro#7 · 11 pts has a 41.2% chance. Flamengo#1 · 13 pts's fans will hope that their team's 35% chance of reaching the semifinals is realized, while Cruzeiro#7 · 11 pts will aim to upset the odds.
On Thursday, August 20, LDU#9 · 10 pts will host Mirassol#10 · 10 pts after another 1-1 draw in the first leg. LDU#9 · 10 pts holds a 61.1% chance of advancing, a testament to their consistent performances, while Mirassol#10 · 10 pts's chances stand at 35.6%. Both teams will be eager to push into the next stage, with LDU#9 · 10 pts having a 29.9% chance of making the semifinals.
Corinthians#8 · 11 pts and Rosario Central#3 · 13 pts are also locked at 0-0 on aggregate, offering up a fascinating contest. Corinthians#8 · 11 pts has a 62.1% chance of moving forward in the tournament, but Rosario Central#3 · 13 pts, at 64.4%, is actually favored to advance, hinting at an intriguing clash where both teams have much at stake.
Finally, looking ahead to next Tuesday, August 25, Independiente del Valle#4 · 13 pts will face Deportes Tolima#17 · 8 pts, with another goalless first leg setting up a decisive second meeting. Independiente del Valle#4 · 13 pts has a 38.9% chance of advancing, while Deportes Tolima#17 · 8 pts sits close at 35.3%. This match is a classic case of anything being possible, with both sides keen to make an impression.
As these teams prepare to leave it all on the pitch, the stakes could not be higher. Each side dreams of lifting the trophy, but first, they must navigate the immediate challenge of their Round of 16 opponents.