In a thrilling encounter at the Hernando Siles stadium in La Paz, Once Caldas clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory over GV San José on April 22, 2025, during the third matchday of the Copa Sudamericana. The Colombian side's star player, Dayro Moreno, was the standout performer, netting a remarkable hat-trick that secured crucial points for his team.
The match kicked off at 7:30 p.m. Colombian time, and the altitude of over 3,600 meters posed a significant challenge for both teams. Once Caldas entered the game sitting second in Group F with three points, looking to build on their recent victory against Unión Española, where they won 2-0.
From the outset, Once Caldas demonstrated their attacking intent. Dayro Moreno, the team's historical top scorer, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a deft finish following a header assist from Jorge Cardona. The goal showcased Moreno's clinical finishing ability and set the tone for the match.
As the game progressed, GV San José struggled to find their rhythm but managed to equalize through Raúl Becerra in the 71st minute. Becerra's goal came from a corner kick, where he capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Colombian side, sending a powerful shot past goalkeeper James Aguirre.
However, Moreno quickly restored Once Caldas' lead just minutes later, scoring his second goal of the match after receiving a precise pass from Alejandro García. His shot found the bottom corner, putting the visitors ahead 2-1.
GV San José, desperate for points, fought back and found the equalizer again through Jaime Villamil, who volleyed home after a well-placed assist from Bruno Vides. The home crowd erupted, sensing a potential comeback.
But Moreno was not done yet. In the dying moments of the match, he completed his hat-trick, pushing the ball into the net after a well-timed cross from Juan Pablo Patiño. This goal not only sealed the victory for Once Caldas but also marked Moreno's 17th goal in international competitions, including the Libertadores and Champions League.
Once Caldas' coach, Hernán Darío Herrera, praised his team's resilience and Moreno's performance, stating, "Dayro showed once again why he is our leader on the field. His ability to score in crucial moments is invaluable for us." Herrera's tactical decisions paid off, as the team maintained possession effectively, stifling GV San José's attempts to control the game.
The match statistics reflected the intense nature of the encounter. Once Caldas had a higher possession rate and created more scoring opportunities, but GV San José's fighting spirit kept them in contention until the final whistle.
As the game concluded, the referee, Nazareno Arasa, signaled five minutes of added time, during which GV San José pushed forward in search of another equalizer. However, the visitors held firm, allowing them to walk away with a vital three points.
With this victory, Once Caldas now sits on six points in the group, firmly in the race for qualification to the knockout stages of the Copa Sudamericana. The team will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next match, aiming to continue their strong showing in the tournament.
For GV San José, the loss is a hard blow, leaving them with only one point from three matches. They will need to regroup quickly as they seek to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming fixtures. The Bolivian side, despite the setback, showed glimpses of potential, and with players like Becerra and Villamil leading the charge, they remain hopeful of a turnaround.
In summary, this match highlighted the importance of experience and composure in high-pressure situations, with Dayro Moreno shining brightly for Once Caldas. As the Copa Sudamericana progresses, fans will be eager to see how the teams adapt to the challenges ahead.
