The Brazilian team started better and came close to scoring, but Uruguayan goalkeeper Martín Campaña kept a clean sheet with several saves.
Midfielder Juan Sánchez Miño from Independiente and Colombian defender Juan Quintero from Fortaleza were both sent off towards the end of the first half for hitting each other in the face without the ball being in play.
In the 51st minute, Leandro Fernández received a pass from Fabricio Bustos on the right wing, controlled the ball inside the box, and scored to make it 1-0.
The goal brought tranquility to Rojo, who regained confidence and became more precise and calm since then.
The 'King of Cups', who have won seven Libertadores and two Sudamericanas, came into this match after suffering a tough blow in the derby against Racing Club on Sunday.
Racing Club won 1-0 with a goal from Chilean Marcelo Díaz just minutes before the end, despite playing most of the second half with two fewer players.
For Fortaleza, who celebrated their 101st anniversary in 2019, it was their first official match in an international tournament.
Despite their lack of experience, the Brazilian team proved they are up to the task and showed that they still have chances of qualifying for the next stage.
The second leg will be played on February 27th in Brazil.
Source: Agencia EFE