Both Cruzeiro and Sporting Cristal were drawn into Group 4, together with their compatriots Grêmio (1996 Brazilian champions) and Alianza Lima (1996 Peruvian championship 2nd place), respectively.

The Peruvian team won by 1–0, and Cruzeiro lost its third game in the tournament, with a few chances of classification to the next stage.

Cruzeiro fourth group match was against Grêmio, but this time in the rival's ground, in Porto Alegre.

With the obligation of winning to keep the chance of classification alive, Cruzeiro made 1–0 with Palhinha and scored its first three point in the competition.

Sporting Cristal last group match was visiting Grêmio in Porto Alegre and losing by 2–0.

Second leg, played at home, Cruzeiro won 2–1, with Marcelo Ramos scoring twice, sending the decision to the penalty shootout.

The second leg, played in Porto Alegre, was lost 2–1, Fabinho scoring, with Cruzeiro advancing to the next stage by goal difference (3–2).

Cruzeiro won the first leg 1–0, goal scored by Marcelo Ramos, in Belo Horizonte.

In Santiago lost 3–2, with Marcelo Ramos and Cleison scoring the goals, deciding again in the penalty kicks.

In the penalty shootout Cruzeiro won 4–1, advancing to the Copa Libertadores final matches after 20 years.

But in the second leg, played home, the Peruvian squad won 3–0, advancing to the next stage by goal difference (4–2).