San Lorenzo continue to make things difficult for themselves but after suffering second leg defeat to Emelec in Bajo Flores on Thursday evening, Los Cuervos are safely into the Copa Libertadores quarter final thanks to a nervy penalty shootout victory.

After miraculously sneaking through the group stage with a last minute goal and requiring penalties to progress beyond the last 16, San Lorenzo’s route so far has remarkable similarities to their triumphant 2014 campaign. However, Diego Aguirre will know that his side must improve ahead of the all-Argentinian quarter final against Lanús.

In a wet and windy Gasómetro, San Lorenzo never really got going but were grateful to have secured a 1-0 win in Ecuador last month when Osbaldo Lastra headed Emelec ahead just after half time.

It could have been worse when Fernando Gaibor flashed a shot inches wide of Nicolás Navarro’s post but when the visitors had Oscar Baguí sent off, the momentum swung towards El Ciclón.

Unable to find an equaliser on the night, the tie was forced to penalties and although Fernando Belluschi’s miss left supporters barely able to watch, Nicolás Navarro was the hero, saving decisively from Cristian Ramos.

San Lorenzo face Lanús in the quarter finals with River Plate up against Jorge Wilstermann in the same half of the draw. Three Argentinian clubs in one half and three Brazilians in the other, along with Barcelona.