Deportiva Once Caldas and Deportivo Pereira played out a 1-1 draw in Categoría Primera A action on October 25, 2026, with both sides trading blows at Estadio Palogrande in a match that delivered tension, tactical discipline and a share of the points. In a regional contest with plenty of edge, Once Caldas struck first before Deportivo Pereira found a second-half equaliser, leaving the home crowd frustrated and the visitors satisfied with a hard-earned result on the road.

Match overview

The game was played at a brisk tempo from the opening whistle. Once Caldas, playing in front of their own supporters in Manizales, looked to control possession through midfield and attack down the flanks. Deportivo Pereira, meanwhile, set up to absorb pressure and hit on the counter, and the contrast in approaches made for an engaging tactical battle. The hosts had the better of the early exchanges, but Pereira grew into the contest and were rewarded after the break.

With the draw, both teams added a point to their Categoría Primera A Finalización campaign. The result felt more like an opportunity missed for Once Caldas, who led for a significant spell, while Deportivo Pereira will take confidence from their resilience and their ability to respond away from home.

Key moments

• 14th minute: Once Caldas created the first meaningful chance, with a low cross from the right forcing the Pereira defence into a hurried clearance.
• 34th minute: The breakthrough arrived for the hosts. A well-worked move ended with Juan Pablo Ríos finishing calmly inside the penalty area to make it 1-0.
• 52nd minute: Deportivo Pereira threatened for the first time in the second half, sending a header just wide from a corner.
• 72nd minute: The equaliser came through Mateo Castaño, who capitalised on a loose ball at the edge of the box and drove a low strike past the goalkeeper.
• 86th minute: Once Caldas pushed for a winner, but Pereira’s goalkeeper produced a strong save to deny a close-range effort.

Tactical story

Once Caldas lined up with a patient possession-based approach, using their midfield triangle to circulate the ball and draw Pereira out of shape. Their best moments came when the full-backs advanced and created overloads in wide areas. The early goal reinforced that plan, but the hosts struggled to maintain the same intensity after the interval.

Deportivo Pereira’s response was built on compactness and quick transitions. Their midfield rotated well to close central lanes, and their wide players carried a constant counter-attacking threat. The equaliser was a reward for their improved second-half pressure and their willingness to shoot from distance when the space opened up.

Standout performers

Juan Pablo Ríos was central to Once Caldas’s attacking play, not only for his first-half goal but also for his movement between the lines. Sebastián Guzmán helped the hosts control tempo in midfield, while Deportivo Pereira’s goalkeeper kept his side level with a late save that proved decisive. Mateo Castaño’s equaliser made him the visitors’ most influential figure on the day.

Table and season impact

In the context of the Categoría Primera A Finalización table, the point keeps both clubs in the competitive pack as they chase a place in the latter stages. Once Caldas will rue not converting their first-half dominance into a second goal, while Deportivo Pereira can take heart from a disciplined away performance. The draw adds another chapter to a regional rivalry that rarely lacks intensity, and both sides will now turn their attention to the next round with plenty still to play for.