The First Stage of the 2012 Copa Santander Libertadores de América ran from January 24 to February 2, 2012 (first legs: January 24âÂÂ26; second legs: January 31âÂÂFebruary 2).
The twelve teams were drawn into six ties on November 25, 2011 in Asunción.
Teams played in two-legged ties on a home-away basis. Each team earned 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss. The following criteria were used for breaking ties on points:
The six winners advanced to the second stage to join the 26 automatic qualifiers.
Team 1 played the second leg at home.
Arsenal won on points 4âÂÂ1.
Tied on points 3âÂÂ3, Flamengo won on goal difference.
Peñarol won on points 4âÂÂ1.
Tied on points 3âÂÂ3, Libertad won on goal difference.
Internacional won on points 4âÂÂ1.
Unión Española won on points 4âÂÂ1.