River Plate secured a spot in the Copa Libertadores semifinals after beating Chilean football giants Colo Colo 1-0 at the Monumental stadium. Striker Facundo Colidio scored the only goal that proved enough to come out on top in a highly contested series.

The Millonario now awaits the winner of the series between Brazilian outfits Fluminense and Atlético Mineiro.

Far from its usual dominant style, Marcelo Gallardo’s team made it through thanks to a shrewd and calculated play. Having tied 1-1 in Chile last week, the Millonarios had all to play for at home but also a lot to lose. River looked to play a solid defensive game and hit Colo Colo on the counter, looking to make the most of set plays.

The Millonarios scored the opener from a free kick. Midfielder Santiago Simón got the ball from a clearance at the 16-minute mark and put in a cross for the striker, who scored with a first-time shot to beat rival goalkeeper Brayan Cortés.

Gallardo’s team relinquished control of the ball after that and launched quick counters. Despite getting most of the time on the ball, Colo Colo was unable to break down the Millonario defense and only mustered two shots in the second half.

“We faced a very tough opponent,” said Gallardo, who became the first coach in history to reach six Copa Libertadores semis with a single club. “They weren’t able to create many risky chances, but it gave us two very tough games.”

The coach insisted River wrapped up a “perfect week” after beating Boca Juniors away from home in the Superclásico and securing a semifinals spot, a match string of games that had many River fans worried. “We’re very happy. Cup matches are special and this one was no exception,” Gallardo said during the press conference.

The win also sees the Millonario become the club with the most Copa Libertadores semifinals appearances, with 21, beating Uruguayan giants Peñarol who sit at 20, and with two more than historic rivals Boca Juniors.

River now waits for either Fluminense or Atlético Mineiro. In the first leg last week, defending champions Flu beat Mineiro at home 1-0 and will have to wrap the series away at the MRV Arena in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday at 7 p.m.