The match at the Olímpico Pascual Guerrero ended in a tie, as both teams found the net once. Luis Sánchez of Once Caldas opened the scoring in the 8th minute, only for Mateo Castillo of América to equalize just 11 minutes later.
In a thrilling start to the match, Luis Sánchez captured the spotlight early on. Ensnaring the ball on the left flank, he maneuvered into the box and struck a precise shot into the bottom left corner, leaving goalkeeper Jorge Soto Botero with no chance to respond.
Despite dominating the attacking play, with a total of 19 shots to their name, América de Cali struggled to convert their chances. They managed to direct 10 shots on target, yet could not find the back of the net again.
The standout performer for the evening was Felipe Parra, the goalkeeper for Once Caldas, who showcased his skills by making 7 crucial saves to preserve the draw.
Defender Mateo Castillo shone brightly for América, not only by netting the equalizer but also delivering a solid defensive display throughout the match.
Coach David González opted for a 4-4-2 formation for América, featuring Jorge Soto in goal; a backline of Mateo Castillo, Marlon Torres, Nicolás Hernández, and Omar Bertel; a midfield comprising Dylan Borrero, Rafael Carrascal, Josen Escobar, and Jhon Palacios; and strikers Yeison Guzmán and Kevin Angulo.
Meanwhile, Hernán Herrera’s Once Caldas fielded a 4-5-1 arrangement with Felipe Parra between the posts; defenders Juan David Cuesta, Jorge Cardona, Kevin Cuesta, and Kevin Tamayo; a midfield trio of Iván Rojas, Jaime Alvarado, Felipe Gomez, and Luis Sánchez; with Dayro Moreno leading the attack.
The match was officiated by Jairo Mayorga Londoño, who kept control of a highly competitive encounter.
Looking ahead, América de Cali will take to the road for their next fixture against Atletico Nacional, while Once Caldas is set to welcome Jaguares for their upcoming match. Fans will also have their eyes on the anticipated showdown in the classic rivalry.
With this draw, the home side, América de Cali, accrues 7 points in the tournament, positioning themselves in third place, while Once Caldas ends the day with 5 points, placing them seventh.
Substitutions for América de Cali
61’ 2T – Kevin Angulo was replaced by Yojan Garcés
72’ 2T – Jhon Palacios made way for Darwin Machís and Dylan Borrero was substituted for Jan Lucumi
Yellow Cards for América de Cali
9’ 2T Rafael Carrascal (Unsporting behavior), 32’ 2T Josen Escobar (Unsporting behavior), 48’ 2T Yojan Garcés (Unsporting behavior)
Red Card for América de Cali
51’ 2T Josen Escobar (Red for two yellow cards)
Substitutions for Once Caldas
45’ 2T – Michael Barrios was replaced by Mateo Zuleta
73’ 2T – Iván Rojas gave way to Jader Quiñónes and Dayro Moreno was substituted for Jefry Zapata
81’ 2T – Felipe Gomez was replaced by Déinner Quiñónes
85’ 2T – Luis Sánchez was substituted for Esteban Beltrán and Mateo Castillo was replaced by Brayan Correa
Yellow Cards for Once Caldas
46’ 1T Jaime Alvarado (Unsporting behavior), 1’ 2T Kevin Tamayo (Insulting or disapproving the referee), 29’ 2T Jorge Cardona (Unsporting behavior), 34’ 2T Kevin Cuesta (Holding an opponent to impede progression), 46’ 2T Felipe Parra (Delaying the game)