RIO DE JANEIRO, March 16 (Xinhua) -- America Mineiro progressed to the Copa Libertadores group stage for the first time in their history on Wednesday by beating Barcelona SC on penalties in a dramatic second leg of their qualifier on Tuesday.
The shootout came after the Brazilian side held Barcelona SC to a goalless draw in the Ecuadorian port city of Guayaquil, a week after the teams drew 0-0 in Belo Horizonte.
Juninho struck the decisive spot-kick after Leonel Quinonez missed with Barcelona's fourth attempt.
In Wednesday's second leg qualifying fixtures, Argentina's Estudiantes host Chile's Everton and Paraguayan side Olimpia are home to Brazil's Fluminense. On Thursday, Bolivia's The Strongest host Universidad Catolica.
The group stage of the Copa Libertadores - South America's top club competition - is scheduled to begin on April 5. ■
