Last year's runner-up ensured its return to the prestigious top-flight continental tournament as Uruguayan giants Peñarol drew 1-1 on Thursday evening to Caracas FC.

The result was enough to gain qualification to the group phase of the Copa Libertadores 2012.

The opening goal came from former Valencia, Valladolid and Deportivo La Coruña man Fabián Estoyanoff who on 28 minutes. The early goal put Peñarol in a comfortable position and secured a 5-1 aggregate win over their Venezuelan rival.

José Peraza put things level for Caracas on 78 minutes though a four-goal buffer was too much of a mountain to climb for the home side.

Peñarol had thumped Caracas at the Centenario stadium in Montevideo last week 4-0.

Credit to the Uruguayan side taking the match seriously despite the huge scoreline advantage, pressing Caracas right up the park barely giving any breathing space for them to play.

On 63 minutes, Juan Guerra shot from distance testing goalkeeper Fabián Carini. It was a brief spell for the home side in attack with the substitution of forward Anthony Uribe for Luis Angelo Peña who made a significant impact, causing trouble for the Peñarol defence.

It was too little, too late however and with another attempt by Brazilian midfielder Amaral on 71 minutes once again forcing Carini to another save.

On 78 minutes, a goal paid off Caracas' persistence continued with a header from José Peraza. The goal finally allowed the Venezuelan giant to break their duck although the scoreline was already cemented against their favour.

With the 5-1 aggregate win, Peñarol qualifies for Group 8 alongside 2011 Copa Sudamericana winners Universidad de Chile, Argentina's Godoy Cruz and Colombia's Atlético Nacional of Medellín.