Once Caldas 1-2 Deportivo Cali: Away Side Snatch Win in Categoría Primera A

Deportivo Cali secured a 2-1 away victory over Deportiva Once Caldas in the Categoría Primera A on September 14, 2026, using two well-timed goals to overcome a spirited home side. The win boosts Deportivo Cali's campaign, while Once Caldas are left to reflect on missed opportunities at Estadio Palogrande.

The match was decided by Deportivo Cali's efficiency in front of goal. Once Caldas had periods of control and pulled a goal back, but they could not find an equaliser in the closing stages.

Match Overview

Deportivo Cali started with confidence, pressing Once Caldas high and looking to force errors. Their opening goal came in the 19th minute when a quick exchange on the edge of the box opened space for a low shot into the bottom corner. Once Caldas responded well, enjoying more possession and testing the away goalkeeper from distance, but they went into the break trailing.

Early in the second half, Deportivo Cali doubled their lead. A well-worked corner was flicked on at the near post, and the ball was bundled home from close range. Once Caldas refused to give up and halved the deficit in the 68th minute with a powerful header from a cross. The final twenty minutes were tense, but Deportivo Cali's defence held firm.

Key Moments

• 19' — Deportivo Cali 1-0: A slick exchange on the edge of the area ends with a precise low finish.
• 34' — Once Caldas chance: A volley from inside the box is blocked by a last-ditch challenge.
• 51' — Deportivo Cali 2-0: A corner is flicked on and converted from close range.
• 68' — Once Caldas 1-2: A towering header from a left-wing cross pulls one back.
• 84' — Late pressure: Once Caldas send a free kick narrowly over the bar as they push for an equaliser.

Tactical Story

Deportivo Cali lined up with a 4-2-3-1 and focused on quick transitions. Their two holding midfielders protected the back four, allowing the attacking players to rotate freely. The early goal forced Once Caldas to come out, which created space for Deportivo Cali to counter. Their second goal from a set piece was a classic example of making pressure count.

Once Caldas used a 4-3-3 and tried to dominate through midfield. They created chances by overloading the flanks and delivering early crosses. The goal they scored came from exactly that pattern. However, their final ball was inconsistent, and Deportivo Cali's centre-backs won the crucial duels late on.

Standout Players

Deportivo Cali's attacking midfielder was the best player on the pitch, involved in the first goal and constantly finding space between the lines. Their goalkeeper also made a vital save at 2-1 to deny Once Caldas an equaliser. For Once Caldas, the winger who provided the assist for the goal was a constant threat, and the central defender who scored the header showed great timing and power.

Table and Season Impact

Deportivo Cali's away win strengthens their position in the Categoría Primera A table and gives them valuable momentum in the race for a top-eight finish. Once Caldas remain within touching distance of the playoff places but will know that home defeats can be costly over a long season. The head-to-head now swings in Deportivo Cali's favour, and both sides will look back on this match as a key moment in their respective campaigns.