In the matchday 14 of the first division, Once Caldas triumphed 1-0 over La Equidad at the Armenia stadium. Jerson Malagón scored the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute, sealing the fate of the encounter.
Once Caldas’ midfielder, Jefry Zapata, had a chance to extend their lead but missed a penalty kick in the 91st minute of the second half.
Malagón was instrumental in the match, not only with his goal but also by clearing three dangerous balls, showcasing his defensive skills.
Another standout performer was goalkeeper James Aguirre, who made crucial saves against La Equidad, stopping four shots throughout the game.
Diego Merino, the manager of La Equidad, set up his team in a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Yimy Gómez in goal and a defensive line made up of Yair Abonia, Daniel Rodas, Carlos Vivas, and Yulián Gómez. The midfield included Fabian Chaverra, Samir Mayo, José Masllorens, Manuel Mónaco, and Kevin Parra, with Jovanny Bolívar leading the attack.
Meanwhile, coach Hernán Herrera opted for a similar strategy for Once Caldas, also deploying a 4-5-1 formation, with James Aguirre guarding the net and defenders Juan David Cuesta, Kevin Cuesta, Jerson Malagón, and Jorge Cardona backing him up. The midfield featured Robert Mejía, Mateo García, Michael Barrios, Luis Sánchez, and Felipe Gomez, while Dayro Moreno took the spot upfront.
Referee Carlos Ortega Jaimes officiated the match, ensuring the rules were upheld.
In their next fixtures, La Equidad will face América de Cali away, while Once Caldas will host Independiente Medellín. As a result, La Equidad sits at 20th place in the standings with 11 points, while Once Caldas is in 10th place with 19 points.
Substitutions for La Equidad
52’ 2T – Yair Abonia replaced by Ronaldo Julio
53’ 2T – Kevin Parra replaced by Joider Micolta
66’ 2T – Fabian Chaverra replaced by Juan Valencia and Felipe Gomez replaced by Mateo Zuleta
77’ 2T – Manuel Mónaco replaced by Juan Castilla and Samir Mayo replaced by Dairo Peña
Cautions for La Equidad:
26’ 1T Yair Abonia (Unsporting behavior), 30’ 1T Carlos Vivas (Unsporting behavior), 19’ 2T Daniel Rodas (Insulting or disapproving the referee), 19’ 2T Jovanny Bolívar (Insulting or disapproving the referee), and 26’ 2T Ronaldo Julio (Unsporting behavior)
Red Card for La Equidad:
45’ 2T Carlos Vivas (Red card for second yellow)
Substitutions for Once Caldas
45’ 2T – Dayro Moreno replaced by Jefry Zapata
81’ 2T – Luis Sánchez replaced by Iván Rojas and Michael Barrios replaced by Luis Palacios
Cautions for Once Caldas:
47’ 1T Kevin Cuesta (Simulation of foul) and 30’ 2T Luis Sánchez (Unsporting behavior)
Red Card for Once Caldas:
14’ 1T Robert Mejía (Direct red)