Independiente Valle vs Rosario Central

Independiente del Valle clinched top spot in Copa Libertadores Group H with a 1-0 win over Rosario Central, a second-half penalty proving the decisive moment on a tense final matchday in Quito. Captain Júnior Sornoza converted the spot kick in the 62nd minute after Guillermo "Pol" Fernández fouled right back Daykol Romero inside the area — a call the VAR let stand despite Central's protests. Earlier, Justin Lerma had rattled the crossbar just after the break, and captains Sornoza and Ángel Di María clashed in a heated exchange at half-time before Di María was substituted off. Both sides advance to the Round of 16 with 13 points, but Independiente del Valle take first place on the head-to-head tiebreaker — their earlier 0-0 draw in Rosario proving the clincher. The Ecuadorians earn home advantage in the knockouts, while Rosario Central will face a tougher task as road team for their last-16 tie.