In a clash that promises to spark tension and excitement, Once Caldas will take on Deportivo Pasto at the iconic Estadio Palogrande on November 2, 2025. With both teams seeking to find their footing in the cluttered environment of the Clausura, every point is essential as they strive for survival and respect in Colombia's Primera A. Once Caldas, sitting in 12th place with 22 points, will look to build momentum after their recent 1-0 victory against Union Magdalena. Meanwhile, Deportivo Pasto, languishing at 19th with a mere 13 points, is desperate for a breakthrough to revitalize their season.
In the context of the teams' recent performances, it's clear that one side is teetering on the edge of hope, while the other is wrestling with despair. Once Caldas comes into this match after a demoralizing stretch, punctuated by four consecutive losses before their latest win. Their fortunes hinge on the experience of stalwart Dayro Moreno, who remains a beacon of inspiration, scoring the decisive goal against Union Magdalena. His ability to find space and convert chances can be the difference-maker in a match where both teams may struggle to break down defenses.
On the flip side, Deportivo Pasto has been unable to secure a win in their last five outings, with their most recent defeat against Fortaleza being particularly painful. They've shown a commendable fight in drawing games, evidenced by their back-to-back 2-2 ties against Atletico Nacional and Rionegro Aguilas. Key player Yoshan Valois has been instrumental in keeping the hope alive, scoring two goals in that stretch and demonstrating the attacking flair that could turn the tide against a faltering Once Caldas defense.
Let's look at the anticipated starting lineups for both teams, as tactically, this match will be as much about formation as it is about individual brilliance.
Once Caldas Predicted Lineup:
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| GK | James Aguirre |
| DF | Kevin Tamayo |
| DF | Jaider Riquett |
| DF | Kevin Andres Cuesta |
| DF | Juan David Cuesta |
| MF | Robert Meja |
| MF | Mateo Garca |
| MF | Mateo Zuleta |
| MF | Alejandro Garca |
| FW | Michael Barrios |
| FW | Dayro Moreno |
Deportivo Pasto Predicted Lineup:
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| GK | Victor Cabezas |
| DF | Mauricio Castao |
| DF | Joyce Ossa |
| DF | Nicolas Gil |
| DF | Luis Caicedo |
| DF | Santiago Jimnez |
| MF | Freddy Espinal |
| MF | Johan Caicedo |
| MF | Felipe Jaramillo |
| FW | Yoshan Valois |
| FW | Facundo Bon |
As the match unfolds, the tactical duel will be captivating. Once Caldas, likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation, will look to control the midfield with Robert Meja feeding the wings and linking up with a creative Michael Barrios. Their success will largely depend on how well they can silence Pasto's attacks while exploiting defensive gaps. Conversely, Deportivo Pasto in their 5-3-2 formation will want to condense the midfield and rely on quick breaks led by the dynamic duo of Valois and Bon.
The head-to-head history tilts favorably towards Once Caldas, who have outscored Deportivo Pasto in their last encounters, including a 4-0 thrashing in the Copa Colombia just weeks ago. This sets a psychological precedent for the game and adds pressure on Pasto, who must overcome their poor record against this opponent to escape the relegation battle.
On the brink of hope and desperation, this matchup stands as a pivotal moment for both teams. At stake is not only the points but a sense of identity and resurgence in a highly competitive league. Expect fireworks at Estadio Palogrande, where the beautiful game will once again challenge and thrill, with life-altering implications for both squads.