Once Caldas 1-2 Deportivo Cali: Away Win Shakes Up Categoría Primera A

Deportivo Cali secured an important 2-1 away victory over Once Caldas in Colombia’s Categoría Primera A on September 14, 2026. At Estadio Palogrande, the visitors scored in each half and withstood late pressure to claim three points that could prove significant in the league table.

Match Overview

Deportivo Cali started positively and took the lead in the 18th minute through Juan Carlos Córdoba, who finished neatly after a quick move down the right. Once Caldas responded and began to control possession, but they struggled to break down a compact Cali defense. The home side equalized in the 52nd minute when Dayro Moreno converted from the penalty spot.

Just as Once Caldas looked likely to push on, Deportivo Cali regained the lead in the 74th minute. Andrey Estupiñán found space at the edge of the box and fired a low shot into the corner. Once Caldas pressed for another equalizer, but Cali’s defenders and goalkeeper held firm through six minutes of stoppage time.

Key Moments

• 18’ – Goal, Deportivo Cali: Juan Carlos Córdoba finished off a fast attacking move for 1-0.
• 52’ – Goal, Once Caldas: Dayro Moreno scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-1.
• 74’ – Goal, Deportivo Cali: Andrey Estupiñán restored the lead with a precise low strike.
• 86’ – Once Caldas chance: A header from a corner went narrowly wide.
• 90+5’ – Final save: Deportivo Cali’s goalkeeper claimed a late cross to secure the win.

Tactical Story

Deportivo Cali’s game plan was built on defensive discipline and quick breaks. They allowed Once Caldas to have the ball in deeper areas but closed the central lanes, forcing the home side into crosses that were well defended. The two goals came from moments when Cali increased the tempo and attacked directly.

Once Caldas had more possession and won several set pieces, but their final pass was often rushed. After the equalizer, they pushed their midfield higher, which created the space Deportivo Cali exploited for the winning goal. It was a classic away performance: absorb pressure, take chances, and defend the box late.

Standout Players

Juan Carlos Córdoba and Andrey Estupiñán were the goal-scoring heroes for Deportivo Cali, while the goalkeeper made a crucial late save. Dayro Moreno was Once Caldas’s brightest attacking threat and converted his penalty with confidence. Cali’s central defenders also deserve praise for their handling of late crosses.

What the Result Means

This away win boosts Deportivo Cali’s position in the Categoría Primera A standings and strengthens their push toward the upper half of the table. Once Caldas miss the chance to take points at home and will need to improve their efficiency in the final third. In a league where road results are often decisive, Deportivo Cali’s 2-1 victory could resonate well beyond this round.