Once Caldas is on the brink of securing a spot in the final phase of the Copa Conmebol Sudamericana after a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Unión Española on May 7, 2025. The match, held at the Palogrande stadium in Manizales, showcased a determined effort from the home team, with Luis Palacios scoring the decisive goal against the Chilean side.
This win places Once Caldas at the top of Group F with nine points, having achieved three victories and one loss in their four matches so far. The team, managed by Hernán Darío ‘Arriero’ Herrera, is looking strong as they head into the final stretch of the group stage.
The current standings in Group F are as follows:
Once Caldas could secure their place in the knockout stage as early as this Thursday, May 8, 2025, depending on the outcome of the match between Fluminense and Club Deportivo Gualberto Villarroel San José. If Fluminense, currently in second place with 7 points, manages to win or draw against Gualberto Villarroel, Once Caldas will confirm their advancement to the next round. This is because neither Unión Española nor Gualberto Villarroel would be able to surpass them in points.
The crucial match between Gualberto Villarroel and Fluminense is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. Colombian time in La Paz. Fans of Once Caldas will be eagerly watching the outcome, as it could determine their fate in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Once Caldas will face Gualberto Villarroel San José again on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 9:00 p.m. in Manizales, which will be the penultimate match of the group stage. Before that, the team has a domestic league match against Millonarios as they continue their fight for a spot in the Liga BetPlay playoffs.
In addition to the group standings, Once Caldas has a notable player contributing to their success in the Copa Sudamericana. Dayro Moreno has emerged as one of the tournament's top scorers, having netted four goals so far, placing him among the leading scorers in the competition. As of May 8, 2025, Ismael Díaz from U. Católica de Ecuador leads the scoring chart with six goals.
The competition has been fierce, with several players vying for the top scorer title. Following Moreno in the rankings are Junior Marabel from Palestino, Junior Paredes from Academia Puerto Cabello, and others, each with four goals to their name. This highlights the competitive nature of the Copa Sudamericana and the talent on display.
Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming matches, as the stakes are high for Once Caldas. The atmosphere in Manizales is electric, with supporters rallying behind their team as they aim to progress further in the tournament. The blend of domestic league commitments and international competition adds to the excitement surrounding the club.
In summary, Once Caldas is poised to make a significant impact in the Copa Sudamericana, with their recent victory against Unión Española solidifying their position as group leaders. The upcoming matches will be critical in determining their trajectory in the tournament, and with players like Dayro Moreno leading the charge, the team is looking to capitalize on their momentum.
As the Copa Sudamericana unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Once Caldas can maintain their form and secure their place in the knockout rounds. The club's journey in this prestigious tournament continues, and with each match, they inch closer to achieving their goals.
