The Diablos Rojos managed to take all three points against the Tricolor with a final score of 2-1 at the Estadio Olímpico Pascual Guerrero. Once Caldas initially held the lead, with Jefry Zapata scoring just before halftime. However, the second half turned dramatically for América as Jhon Palacios netted the equalizer only two minutes after the break. The comeback was completed by Cristian Barrios in the 56th minute.
Palacios’ goal was a result of a clever play initiated by Barrios, who delivered a precise cross that Palacios converted with a well-placed strike into the net.
Cristian Barrios was undoubtedly the standout player of the match, scoring a goal and making five shots on target, showcasing his offensive capabilities throughout the game.
Meanwhile, Felipe Parra, the goalkeeper for Once Caldas, put on a commendable performance by making 11 saves, keeping his team in contention for much of the match.
América’s manager, Alexander Escobar, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Joel Graterol in goal, a defensive line consisting of Mateo Castillo, Daniel Bocanegra, Jean Pestaña, and Omar Bertel, a midfield trio of Josen Escobar, Rafael Carrascal, and Sebastián Navarro, and an attacking front featuring Cristian Barrios, Rodrigo Holgado, and Jan Lucumi.
Contrastingly, Hernán Herrera’s Once Caldas fielded a 4-5-1 formation, with Felipe Parra in goal, Efraín Navarro, Jorge Cardona, Jerson Malagón, and Juan Castaño in defense, a midfield comprised of Juan Díaz, Juan Camilo García, Andrés Ibargüen, Esteban Beltrán, and Felipe Gomez, and Jefry Zapata leading the attack.
The match was officiated by referee Wilmar Montaño Guevara.
Looking ahead, América de Cali will face Pasto on the road in their next clash, while Once Caldas will host Boyacá Chicó.
With this result, América de Cali climbs to a total of 10 points, occupying the 17th position in the standings, whereas Once Caldas retains 13 points, sitting at 12th place in the league.
Substitutions for América de Cali
45’ 2T – Jan Lucumi out for Jhon Palacios; Jorge Cardona out for Kevin Cuesta
72’ 2T – Rodrigo Holgado out for Luis Ramos
73’ 2T – Sebastián Navarro out for Jhon Murillo
78’ 2T – Mateo Castillo out for Adrián Ramos
87’ 2T – Cristian Barrios out for Cristian Tovar
Yellow Cards for América de Cali:
41’ 2T – Adrián Ramos
Substitutions for Once Caldas
17’ 1T – Juan Castaño out for Luis Palacios
60’ 2T – Juan Camilo García out for Robert Mejía; Jefry Zapata out for Dayro Moreno
61’ 2T – Felipe Gomez out for Mateo Zuleta
Yellow Cards for Once Caldas:
27’ 2T – Robert Mejía (Unsporting conduct); 41’ 2T – Mateo Zuleta (Unsporting conduct); 41’ 2T – Dayro Moreno (Insulting or disapproving the referee)