The Ecuadorian side is gunning for the title and an incredible possible matchup with Real Madrid in the Club World Cup, having shocked the continent on the way to the final.
In a year already packed full of great upsets, which has been the greatest fairy tale so far of 2016?
Many will point to Leicester City's incredible Premier League win, sealed against the odds and in emphatic fashion. In June and July, the endearing islanders of Iceland took center stage with a brave run to the Euro quarterfinals, which included a brilliant giant-killing of England. But both Claudio Ranieri's men and the clapping warriors of Reykjavik will be outshined if Independiente del Valle can complete its Copa Libertadores dream with victory in the final.