In a tightly contested battle at Palogrande Stadium, Once Caldas faced off against Santa Fe, resulting in a 1-1 stalemate on the second date of the Colombian league.
Santa Fe took the lead in the 77th minute with a goal from forward Franco Fagúndez. However, in a thrilling finish, Kevin Cuesta netted the equalizer for Once Caldas just before the referee blew the final whistle, scoring in the 92nd minute.
Kevin Cuesta’s outstanding performance earned him the distinction of being the match’s standout player, contributing not only with a vital goal but also with two crucial clearances from the danger zone.
Meanwhile, Franco Fagúndez showcased his skills by putting Santa Fe ahead with his impressive strike.
Once Caldas’ forward Michael Barrios made an eye-catching move, executing a nutmeg on Santa Fe defender Christian Mafla during the first half, specifically at the 42nd minute of play.
Coached by Hernán Herrera, Once Caldas lined up in a 4-3-3 formation featuring Felipe Parra in goal, with defenders Juan David Cuesta, Jorge Cardona, Kevin Cuesta, and Kevin Tamayo; midfielders Esteban Beltrán, Jaime Alvarado, and Luis Sánchez; and forwards Michael Barrios, Dayro Moreno, and Felipe Gomez.
On the other side, Pablo Repetto’s Santa Fe also deployed a 4-3-3 setup, with Andrés Mosquera in goal, supported by Helibelton Palacios, Víctor Moreno, Emanuel Olivera, and Christian Mafla in defense; Yilmar Velásquez, Daniel Torres, and Ewil Murillo in midfield; and Luis Palacios, Hugo Rodallega, and Omar Fernández up front.
The match was officiated by referee Wilmar Roldán Pérez.
In the upcoming fixture, Once Caldas will visit América de Cali while Santa Fe will host Pereira at home.
Currently, Once Caldas stands in fifth place in the league with 4 points, while Santa Fe occupies the thirteenth position with 2 points.
Substitutions for Once Caldas
72’ 2T – Michael Barrios was replaced by Déinner Quiñónes
81’ 2T – Luis Sánchez was substituted by Jefry Zapata
Yellow Cards for Once Caldas:
12’ 2T Jorge Cardona (Unsporting behavior)
44’ 2T Jader Quiñónes (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Santa Fe
62’ 2T – Yilmar Velásquez was replaced by Edwin Mosquera, Omar Fernández by Franco Fagúndez, and Esteban Beltrán by Jader Quiñónes
73’ 2T – Hugo Rodallega was substituted by Nahuel Bustos
84’ 2T – Ewil Murillo was replaced by Alexis Zapata and Luis Palacios by Jhojan Torres
Yellow Cards for Santa Fe:
16’ 2T Christian Mafla (Unsporting behavior)
41’ 2T Edwin Mosquera (Unsporting behavior)