The 1965 Copa Libertadores de América was the sixth edition of South America's premier club football tournament. Colombia did not send a representative due to the disagreements between CONMEBOL and the Colombian football federation. This became the last edition of the tournament in which only the national champions of each association could participate.
After the victorious campaign the previous year, Independiente would go on to successfully defend the title after beating another Uruguayan team, this time Peñarol. Independiente began a legacy that saw it become a world class football team and paved the way for future conquests.
The format of the competition remained nearly the same as the previous year's edition; the preliminary round was eliminated from this edition.
At each stage of the tournament teams receive 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and no points for a loss. If two or more teams are equal on points, the following criteria will be applied to determine the ranking in the group stage:
Nine teams were drawn into three groups. In each group, teams played against each other home-and-away. The top team in each group advanced to the Semifinals. Independiente, the title holders, had a bye to the next round.
Four teams were drawn into two groups. In each group, teams played against each other home-and-away. The top team in each group advanced to the Finals.
A. ^ Points were taken from Deportivo Galicia due to irregularities in their line-up. Peñarol was awarded the points. Peñarol advanced due to goal difference.
