The big guns of Europe are fighting for places in the closing rounds of the Champions League. Across the Atlantic, the South American equivalent is at a very different stage.

The Copa Libertadores is currently halfway through the third and final qualifying round. Eight teams are vying for the four remaining slots in the group phase, which kicks off in 10 days with a full complement of 32 clubs from the continent's 10 countries.

In Europe, these early stages are largely irrelevant to the destiny...

There was no fairy tale, and no real tension. On a cold, drizzly night in Buenos Aires, the 3-0 first leg lead established last week by little Jorge Wilstermann of Bolivia slipped away against an irresistible River Plate, who coasted to an 8-0 thrashing thanks in no small part to five goals from Ignacio Scocco.

In the previous round, the Bolivians defended doggedly to secure a goalless draw and eliminate Atletico Mineiro of Brazil. Armed with their three-goal cushion, they had hopes of doing something...

The team named after a pioneer of Bolivian aviation have flown down to Buenos Aires ahead of the most important 90 minutes in their history.

Jorge Wilstermann, from the city of Cochabamba, are one more dogged defensive performance away from making it through to the semifinals of the Copa Libertadores, South America's Champions League. In last week's quarterfinal first leg, they thrashed Argentine giants River Plate by the astonishing margin of 3-0.

Thursday's rematch will be tougher. At home,...