Barbat, a Uruguayan playing against his compatriots, made at least half a dozen top-class saves but was beaten in the 87th minute of the second round, first leg match when Marco Vanzini blasted the ball home following a corner.

The goalkeeper began his work by brilliantly turning away a Gustavo Varela header in the 15th minute and defied the same player again shortly afterwards after he had broken clear of the America defence.

Nacional, who have won the trophy three times, continued to dominate after halftime and Vanzini, who scored the goal against Velez Sarsfield which clinched Nacional's second round place, saw two good long-distance efforts saved by Barbat.

When Barbat was finally beaten, defender John Tierradentro appeared on the line to clear away another Varela shot.

The Red Devils from Cali, who have reached four Libertadores finals and lost them all, nearly snatched victory five minutes from time through striker Julian Vazquez but Gustavo Munua just managed to keep out his effort.