In their latest matchup, Once Caldas triumphed 1-0 over Pasto as the home team on the 19th fixture of the first division. The only goal of the match came from Mateo Zuleta in the 9th minute of the first half, marking a significant moment for the Tricolor.
Zuleta showcased his skill with a remarkable individual effort on the right flank, driving the ball powerfully from just outside the area into the left corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Diego Martínez Marín with no chance.
However, fortune was not entirely on Once Caldas’ side, as Luis Sánchez struck the woodwork on two occasions, missing out on doubling their lead.
Mateo Zuleta was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, not only for scoring but also for his overall performance on the defense. He was complemented by goalkeeper James Aguirre, who made three crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
Head coach Hernán Herrera opted for a 4-3-3 formation, placing James Aguirre in goal; with Juan David Cuesta, Jaider Riquett, Efraín Navarro, and Mateo Zuleta forming the defense; Mateo García, Kevin Cuesta, and Robert Mejía in midfield; and Luis Sánchez, Michael Barrios, and Dayro Moreno up front.
On the opposing side, René Rosero’s team set up in a 5-3-2 formation, featuring Diego Martínez in goal; defenders Santiago Jiménez, Luis Caicedo, Nicolás Gil, Joyce Ossa, and Mauricio Castaño; with Johan Caicedo, Felipe Jaramillo, and Facundo Boné in midfield; and Yoshan Valois and Patrick Preciado as forwards.
The match at Estadio Palogrande was officiated by Carlos Márquez Ortega.
Looking ahead, Once Caldas will travel to face Deportivo Cali in their next match, while Pasto will play at home against Bucaramanga.
With this victory, Once Caldas climbs to 10th place in the standings with 26 points and seven wins, closing in on a spot in the playoffs. In contrast, Pasto concludes their tournament campaign with only 16 points, positioning them at the 18th spot.
Substitutions for Once Caldas
39’ 1H – Robert Mejía out, Alejandro García in
61’ 2H – Michael Barrios out, Andrés Ibargüen in; Luis Sánchez out, Iván Rojas in; Johan Caicedo out, José Bernal in
77’ 2H – Alejandro García out, Felipe Gomez in
Yellow Cards for Once Caldas:
43’ 1H – Mateo García (Reiteration of fouls)
Substitutions for Pasto
45’ 2H – Patrick Preciado out, Brayan Sánchez in
52’ 2H – Felipe Jaramillo out, John Méndez in
76’ 2H – Santiago Jiménez out, Fabian Villa in; Facundo Boné out, Jeirye Caicedo in
Yellow Cards for Pasto:
48’ 1H – Santiago Jiménez (Unsportsmanlike behavior)
0’ 2H – Felipe Jaramillo (Unsportsmanlike behavior)
3’ 2H – Johan Caicedo (Unsportsmanlike behavior)
19’ 2H – Brayan Sánchez (Unsportsmanlike behavior)