The first leg of the Copa Libertadores final saw Mexican side Tigres and Argentinian giants River Plate share a goalless draw in Monterrey.
Everything will be decided at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires next Wednesday.
Both teams probed each other tentatively throughout and the result of that approach was a game featuring few opportunities at the Estadio Universitario.
In the 18th minute, however, only the crossbar stood between Tigres and an opening goal after an Egidio Arevalo-Rios cross was deflected by River defender Leonel Vangioni.
Two minutes later, River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero saved a dangerous header from Rafael Sobis after a Jurgen Damm cross.
The stopper was tested again in the 78th minute and he also repelled a Juninho free-kick.
River right-back Gabriel Mercado will miss the second leg after accruing too many yellow cards, while Uruguay-born team-mates Rodrigo Mora and Tabare Viudez will be in doubt as they were both forced to leave the field at half-time due to muscular injuries.
Tigres keeper Nahuel Guzman told Fox Sports: "We played the whole of the second half in River's half.
"In Buenos Aires, I think River will push forward and do more with the ball so we'll have some gaps to take advantage of.
"We are two very good teams playing in this final."
River defender Jonathan Maidana said: "We did not lose and we did not concede any goals, so that's the important thing.
"We must now do our best at home. There are 90 minutes left.
"Tigres were good on the ball but were always far from our goal so they did not trouble us too much.
"We'll do our best to win the trophy."