The 1973 Copa Libertadores was won by defending champions Independiente of Argentina after defeating Colo Colo of Chile in a third decisive game. The third match which ended 2–1 in extra time was necessary after the previous two leg matches ended in draws. Their second consecutive title made Independiente the first team in the tournament's history to win four titles.
The Venezuelan club teams Deportivo Italia and Deportivo Galicia did not participate in the Copa Libertadores due to internal problems with the Venezuelan Football Federation.
Qualified teams CountryTeamQualification methodCONMEBOL(1 berth)Independiente1972 Copa Libertadores champion(2 berths)San Lorenzo1972 Nacional championRiver Plate1972 Nacional runner-up(2 berths)Jorge Wilstermann1972 Primera División championOriente Petrolero1972 Primera División runner-up(2 berths)Palmeiras1972 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A championBotafogo1972 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A runner-up(2 berths)Colo-Colo1972 Primera División championUnión Española1972 Primera División runner-up(2 berths)Millonarios1972 Campeonato Profesional championDeportivo Cali1972 Campeonato Profesional runner-up(2 berths)Emelec1972 Campeonato Ecuatoriano championEl Nacional1972 Campeonato Ecuatoriano runner-up(2 berths)Cerro Porteño1972 Primera División championOlimpia1972 Primera División runner-up(2 berths)Sporting Cristal1972 Primera División championUniversitario1972 Primera División runner-up(2 berths)Nacional1972 Primera División championPeñarol1972 Primera División runner-up
Draw The champions and runners-up of each football association were drawn into the same group along with another football association's participating teams. Three clubs from Argentina competed as Independiente was champion of the 1972 Copa Libertadores. They entered the tournament in the Semifinals.
Group 1 Group 2 Group 3 Group 4 Group 5
Group stage Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Group 5
Semi-finals The five previous group leaders formed two new groups of three which included the 1972 Copa Libertadores defending champion Independiente.
Group 1
Group 2
Finals
First leg
Second leg
Extra match
Champion Copa Libertadores1973 WinnersIndependienteFourth Title
References