América de Cali did their homework, resisted Bahía's onslaught, and won at home: they qualified for the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana!

América de Cali emerged strong at home at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium, overcoming the pressure, showing flashes of good football, and securing a place in the Copa Sudamericana Round of 16 after defeating and eliminating Bahia of Brazil in the playoffs. Goals from Jhon Murillo and Yojan Garcés were enough for the Cali side to secure their spot after a 0-0 draw in the first leg and a 2-0 victory in the second leg. Coach Gabriel Raimondi made a statement as he prevailed in his first major test since his arrival.

La Mechita had the difficult task of beating a Brazilian team in the Copa del Rey round of 16 play-offs without its two biggest stars: Duván Vergara and Juan Fernando Quintero, who packed their bags and left for Argentina to play for Racing de Avellaneda and River Plate, respectively.

The Pascual stadium was a hotbed of heat, and América didn't fall for the pressure. They were at home and faced the responsibility of finishing the task they began last week in Brazil, where they drew 0-0 in the first leg, a scoreline that opened up a great opportunity to wrap up the tie in front of their fans.

América de Cali controlled the pace of the game in the opening minutes, organizing their lines well to avoid any surprises. But Bahía had their game and caused a general scare at the Pascual Stadium with a shot that went just wide of goalkeeper Jorge Soto's goal.

Gabriel Raimondi gave orders from the line, gave orders to his team, and the instructions in his first major continental challenge paid off. The team settled and controlled the ball, becoming more dangerous in the opponent's half, but they failed to test the Bahía goalkeeper, who was sluggish with his footwork.

The Cali team was rewarded for their persistence and provoked the mistake that proved crucial in the tie. Jhon Murillo fought for the ball on the wing, powered it forward, and saw a through ball for Luis Ramos, who was resigned and couldn't reach it. The defense didn't clear it, and the goalkeeper, caught with the ball on his shoulders, tried to clear it, but it fell short. Murillo revived the play and didn't think twice, firing a first-time shot into an empty net to score the goal that sparked jubilation at the Pascual stadium in the 28th minute of the first half.

América had the punch they lacked in Brazil , performed better, and were fairly solid in defense. Bahia didn't look like a Brazilian team; Rogerio Ceni 's team lacked ideas and went into the break trailing, with a late scare that, fortunately, didn't result in a second for the home side.

The second half had a very different script. Raimondi 's team tried to gain possession, but Bahía applied more intensity, pressed higher, and forced América back into their own box with crosses from the side that didn't create much danger.

Bahía looked for an equalizer everywhere, but América held firm and failed on the counterattacks. Gradually, the Brazilian side's stifling pace slowed, and the home side had a chance to put the hammer down on the match, and the tie.

Ramos recovered the ball high, found his motives, and fired a shot from medium range. The shot was deflected, and the forward wasted an opportunity that left Bahía in a bad position. Sebastián Navarro also had a chance to score the second goal of the night, but his right-footed shot generated more anticipation than danger, and his shot went wide.

The counterattack became the main weapon for inflicting damage. América stood strong at the back and resisted all the attacks, but lacked attack. Cristian Barrios had the clearest chance, going one-on-one against the goalkeeper and firing home to the general groan of Pascual.

Raimondi played with the substitutions, toning down the game. The defensive unit was firm, impenetrable, resisting and avoiding suffering. The plan worked; Bahía reached Soto's chin, but failed to penetrate the ironclad defense.

The home side played on the opponent's desperation and sealed the tie in stoppage time. Dylan Borreo launched a cross hoping to do damage, and Yojan Garcés emerged victorious in the box, heading in the ball and scoring the final 2-0 in the 90th minute.

América ran and fought in the end, and took the victory that allowed them to inscribe their name in the round of 16 of the Copa Sudamericana , a phase in which they will clash against the powerful Fluminense .