The 1965 Copa Libertadores de América was the sixth edition of South America's premier club football tournament. Colombia did not send a representative due to the disagreements between CONMEBOL and the Colombian football federation. This became the last edition of the tournament in which only the national champions of each association could participate.
After the victorious campaign the previous year, Independiente would go on to successfully defend the title after beating another Uruguayan team, this time Peñarol. Independiente began a legacy that saw it become a world class football team and paved the way for future conquests.
Qualified teams CountryTeamQualification methodCONMEBOL1 berthIndependiente1964 Copa Libertadores winners1 berthBoca Juniors1964 Primera División champion1 berthThe Strongest1964 Copa Simón Bolívar champion1 berthSantos 1964 Brasileiro Série A champion1 berthUniversidad de Chile1964 Primera División champion1 berthDeportivo Quito1964 Campeonato Ecuatoriano champion1 berthGuaraní 1964 Primera División champion1 berthUniversitario1964 Primera División champion1 berthPeñarol1964 Primera División champion1 berthDeportivo Galicia 1964 Primera División champion
Tie-breaking criteria The format of the competition remained nearly the same as the previous year's edition; the preliminary round was eliminated from this edition.
At each stage of the tournament teams receive 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and no points for a loss. If two or more teams are equal on points, the following criteria will be applied to determine the ranking in the group stage:
a one-game playoff; superior goal difference; draw of lots.
First round Nine teams were drawn into three groups. In each group, teams played against each other home-and-away. The top team in each group advanced to the Semifinals. Independiente, the title holders, had a bye to the next round.
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Semifinals Four teams were drawn into two groups. In each group, teams played against each other home-and-away. The top team in each group advanced to the Finals.
Group A
Independiente progressed to the finals due to better goal difference.
Group B
Finals
Champion Copa Libertadores de América1965 ChampionIndependienteSecond Title
Top goalscorers PosPlayerTeamGoals 1 Pelé Santos 8 2 Pedro Rocha Peñarol 4 José Francisco Sasía Peñarol 4 Héctor Jesús Silva Peñarol 4 Pepe Santos 4
Footnotes
A. Points were taken from Deportivo Galicia due to irregularities in their line-up. Peñarol was awarded the points. Peñarol advanced due to goal difference.
External links
Copa Libertadores 1965 at CONMEBOL website Copa Libertadores 1965 at RSSSF