Once Caldas 1-0 Llaneros FC: Dayro Moreno Penalty Seals Narrow Primera A Win

Once Caldas edged Llaneros FC 1-0 in Colombia’s Categoría Primera A on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at the Estadio Palogrande in Manizales. A second-half penalty from club icon Dayro Moreno proved enough to separate the sides in a tense, tightly contested encounter.

The win keeps Once Caldas in the hunt for a strong finish in the league table, while Llaneros FC were left to rue a performance that had moments of promise but lacked a cutting edge in the final third.

Match Overview

Once Caldas began the match with intent, pressing high and forcing Llaneros into early mistakes. The home side dominated the opening exchanges, with Dayro Moreno dropping deep to link play and the wide players looking to isolate their markers. Llaneros survived the early pressure and gradually found a foothold, using quick counter-attacks to test the Once Caldas back line.

The first half produced few clear chances. Once Caldas came closest through a header from a corner that sailed just over the bar, while Llaneros forced a sharp save from the home goalkeeper after a driving run through midfield. The tempo was high, but both defences held firm before the break.

The decisive moment arrived in the 56th minute when Once Caldas were awarded a penalty after a foul inside the box. Dayro Moreno stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, rolling the ball into the bottom corner to spark celebrations around the Palogrande. It was a goal that underlined his enduring importance to the club.

Key Moments

• 9' — Once Caldas pressed early, forcing a hurried clearance from the Llaneros defence.
• 23' — Llaneros’ best first-half chance, a low shot from the edge of the area saved well by the Once Caldas goalkeeper.
• 41' — A Once Caldas header from a corner drifted narrowly over the crossbar.
• 56' — Goal. Dayro Moreno converted a penalty to put Once Caldas 1-0 up.
• 72' — Llaneros pushed forward and had a goal ruled out for offside after a quick free-kick.
• 88' — Once Caldas nearly doubled the lead on the break, but the final shot was blocked at the near post.

Tactical Story

Once Caldas set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Moreno often drifting between the lines to create numerical overloads in midfield. Their full-backs pushed high to provide width, and the home side repeatedly looked to switch play from side to side in an effort to unbalance Llaneros’ defensive block.

Llaneros FC responded with a disciplined 4-4-2 out of possession, looking to deny central space and spring forward through the channels. Their counter-attacking plan worked in patches, particularly in the first half, but they struggled to maintain possession long enough to sustain pressure after falling behind.

Once Caldas managed the final stages intelligently, slowing the tempo and keeping the ball in wide areas. Llaneros’ late push produced a disallowed goal and a few dangerous deliveries, but the home defence held its shape to protect the clean sheet.

Standout Players

Dayro Moreno was once again the central figure for Once Caldas. Beyond the winning penalty, his movement and link-up play gave the team a focal point in attack. His composure from the spot was the difference in a match with very little margin for error.

Once Caldas’ goalkeeper also deserves credit for a crucial first-half save that kept the score level. For Llaneros FC, the midfield worked tirelessly to disrupt Once Caldas’ rhythm, and their defensive organisation kept the game close until the final whistle. However, the visitors lacked the final pass in the attacking third.

Primera A Table Impact

The three points strengthen Once Caldas’ position in the Categoría Primera A standings and keep them in contention for a higher finish as the season progresses. For Llaneros FC, the defeat leaves them needing to convert promising performances into points, particularly in away matches where goals have been hard to come by.

Once Caldas will be pleased with the defensive solidity they showed, but they will also know that a single penalty was required to break down a determined opponent. In a league where fine margins often decide the playoff race, victories like this can prove invaluable.

What’s Next

Once Caldas will look to build on the win in their next Primera A fixture, hoping to carry the same defensive concentration and attacking patience. Llaneros FC return to action with a clear objective: turn territorial spells into goals. Both teams remain focused on the long campaign ahead, with every point crucial in Colombia’s competitive top flight.