Once Caldas Women Edge Out Deportivo Pasto in Tight Colombian Liga Betplay Femenina Encounter

In a fiercely contested fixture in the Colombian Liga Betplay Femenina, Once Caldas (w) secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Deportivo Pasto Women on May 5, 2026. The match, played at the Estadio Palogrande, saw the home side grind out a crucial result in the league standings, showcasing defensive resilience and clinical finishing in a game where every point matters in the race for postseason qualification.

Match Overview

Once Caldas entered the match looking to build momentum on home soil, while Deportivo Pasto aimed to upset the form book with a disciplined away performance. The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams struggling to find rhythm in the final third. However, the deadlock was broken just before the interval when Once Caldas found the back of the net through a well-worked team move. The goal came from a precise cross into the box, finished coolly past the Deportivo Pasto goalkeeper, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Key Moments

• 38th minute: Once Caldas winger Maria Fernanda López delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by striker Laura Castillo, who slotted home from close range for the only goal of the game.
• 62nd minute: Deportivo Pasto had their best chance to equalize when a long-range effort forced a sharp save from Once Caldas goalkeeper Ana Rodríguez.
• 75th minute: Once Caldas were reduced to ten men after a second yellow card to midfielder Camila Torres, but they defended resolutely to hold onto the lead.

Tactical Story

Once Caldas set up in a compact 4-4-2 formation, aiming to control the midfield and hit on the counter-attack. Their goal came from a classic counter-pressing move, forcing a turnover in the middle third before transitioning quickly. Deportivo Pasto, employing a 4-3-3, dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. The visitors’ inability to convert chances was compounded by Once Caldas’ disciplined defensive block, which absorbed pressure effectively, especially after the red card.

Standout Players

• Laura Castillo (Once Caldas): The match-winner with a composed finish and tireless pressing throughout.
• Ana Rodríguez (Once Caldas): Made several crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, particularly in the second half.
• Valentina Rojas (Deportivo Pasto): The most creative player for the visitors, delivering dangerous set pieces and crosses that went unfinished.

Table and Season Impact

This victory lifts Once Caldas into a stronger position in the Liga Betplay Femenina standings, moving them level on points with the top four and keeping their playoff hopes alive. For Deportivo Pasto, the defeat leaves them in mid-table, needing a strong run in their remaining fixtures to close the gap. The result also extends Once Caldas’ unbeaten home record to four matches, a key factor in their pursuit of postseason football.