Once Caldas vs Union Magdalena Match Recap - Oct 26, 2025

In a match marked by tension and the weight of desperation, Once Caldas edged out Unión Magdalena 1-0 at the Estadio Palogrande on Thursday night, thanks to a solitary goal from Dayro Moreno just before halftime. The result provided a much-needed spark for the Blanco Blanco as they look to escape the shadows of a dismal run of form.

For Once Caldas, the tally lifted them to 19 points in the league, placing them 13th in the standings, while Unión Magdalena now languishes just one point behind in 15th, with 18 points. Both teams entered the contest reeling from recent struggles-but it was the home side that emerged with a sliver of hope.

The opening half witnessed an intense tactical battle, with both teams exhibiting an urgency derived from their precarious league standings. The first 45 minutes were filled with near misses, but it wasn't until the 43rd minute that an electric moment turned the tide. Dayro Moreno, whose name has become synonymous with clutch performances for the club, found the back of the net, sending the fans into a frenzy and offering a critical reprieve for a beleaguered side.

This victory came at a pivotal moment for Once Caldas, who had experienced a string of disappointing results, including a 0-5 home defeat against Independiente Medellín and a Copa Colombia elimination at the hands of Atlético Nacional. The mood in Manizales has been bleak, with the specter of managerial instability hanging over the club. Moreno's goal not only secured three crucial points but also provided a glimmer of hope for fans yearning for stability and resurgence.

For Unión Magdalena, the defeat marks yet another setback in a season characterized by erratic performance and a tendency to concede at critical moments. After a spirited win against Envigado, today's loss serves as a harsh reminder that survival in Primera A is anything but guaranteed. With five matches remaining, the pressure to collect points intensifies, especially with their next challenge looming large.

Reflecting on past predictions, I had anticipated a fierce encounter with both teams battling for points-perhaps a draw seemed likely given their recent forms. But the outcome serves as a testament to the unpredictable drama of football, where individual brilliance can dictate the narrative on any given night.

As both teams make their way into the final stretch of the Clausura, the stakes couldn't be higher. Once Caldas will seek to build on this victory and ease their relegation fears, while Unión Magdalena must regroup swiftly if they hope to avoid being dragged into the lower depths of the table. In a league where every point is vital, the journey ahead will be treacherous for both clubs, but the hope remains that brighter days are in store.