The First Stage, or the Preliminary Phase, of the 2009 Copa Sudamericana de Clubes was the first round of the tournament. It was contested by 30 teams in 15 two-legged ties. The winners of each tie advanced to the Second Stage (also known as the Round of 16).
The first stage began on August 4, and ended on September 17. Team #1 played the first leg at home.
Goiás advances 6–5 on penalties.
Unión Española advances 4–1 on points.
Vitória and Coritiba tied on points (3 each), goal difference (0 each), and away goals (0 each). Vitória advances 5–3 on penalties.
Universidad de Chile advances 6–0 on points.
Fluminense advances on away goals.
Cienciano advances 4–1 on points.
Lanús advances 6–0 on points.
Emelec advances 6–0 on points.
Botafogo advances 4–1 on points.
LDU Quito advances 4–1 on points.
San Lorenzo advances on away goals.
Alianza Atlético advances 4âÂÂ1 on points.
Bye for the defending champion Internacional.
River Plate advances 6–0 on points.
Vélez Sarsfield advances 4–1 on points.
Cerro Porteño advances 6–0 on points.