In a match that closes the curtain on their Liga BetPlay DIMAYOR 2025-I campaigns, Once Caldas and Atlético Nacional met again at the Palogrande Stadium in Manizales. While the stakes were no longer tied to a championship final, both teams were eager to leave a positive final impression and collect crucial points that could influence qualification to the CONMEBOL Libertadores or Sudamericana next season.
Revisiting the Rivalry: Familiar Ground, Familiar Faces
This fixture came with a sense of déjà vu. The two teams had previously clashed at the same stadium during the closing stages of the previous semester’s final quadrangulars. On that occasion, Atlético Nacional triumphed 2-1, courtesy of goals from Hinestroza and Asprilla, while Dayro Moreno scored a consolation goal for Once Caldas. Now, several months later, the clubs met once more — both already mathematically eliminated from title contention.
Despite the low stakes, the historic rivalry and the hunger to finish the campaign on a strong note created anticipation among fans.
The Context: A Bitter End for Both Teams
Once Caldas’ Journey
The ‘Blanco Blanco’ came into this match still searching for their first win in the Semifinal Quadrangulars. With three draws and two losses in their five prior games, the team from Manizales had already lost hope of reaching the finals. Their recent 2-0 defeat to Independiente Santa Fe at El Campín in Bogotá confirmed their exit from the title race.
Still, manager Hernán Darío ‘El Arriero’ Herrera wanted his players to give the home fans something to cheer for. A win would not only end the tournament on a positive note but also improve their position in the annual points table — critical for next year’s international competition qualification.
Atlético Nacional’s Crisis
On the other side, Atlético Nacional arrived in crisis mode. Following a 1-0 defeat to Millonarios at the Atanasio Girardot Stadium, they were officially eliminated from finals contention. Fans voiced their discontent, and coach Javier Gandolfi found himself under increasing pressure.
Nacional failed to secure a single win during this phase of the competition — a major disappointment for one of Colombia’s most successful clubs. Their performance fell far below expectations, plagued by injuries, inconsistent play, and internal tension.
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Starting Lineups in Manizales
Once Caldas Starting XI
Coach Hernán Darío Herrera fielded a lineup with a mix of experience and youth, aiming to end the campaign on a high note:
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Goalkeeper: Aguirre
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Defenders: Patiño, Cardona, Castaño, Navarro
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Midfielders: Rojas, Díaz, Sánchez
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Forwards: Zapata, Dayro Moreno, Palacios
Notably, Dayro Moreno, the veteran striker, continued to lead the attacking line in search of one final goal in the campaign.
Atlético Nacional Starting XI
Despite fan pressure, Javier Gandolfi went with a familiar 4-3-3 formation, though several key players were missing due to injury:
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Goalkeeper: Ospina
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Defenders: Arias, Tesillo, Castro, Salazar
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Midfielders: Uribe, Zapata, Cardona
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Forwards: Hinestroza, Sarmiento, Morelos
Gandolfi stuck with Hinestroza and Sarmiento on the wings, with Morelos at center forward, hoping the trio could produce more attacking threat than in previous games.
Key Match Themes and Fan Expectations
Despite both clubs being out of contention for the final, this match held weight for the fans. For Once Caldas, it was about pride, home-field dominance, and giving their supporters a glimmer of hope for the next season. For Atlético Nacional, it was a test of character — whether they could respond to adversity and show resilience in difficult times.
Many fans were also eager to see how their young prospects would perform. Both managers hinted pre-match at giving minutes to youth players who could form the core of next season’s squads.
Battle for Continental Cup Spots
Though the championship is no longer a possibility, qualification to CONMEBOL competitions such as the Libertadores and Sudamericana is still influenced by overall seasonal performance. Every point counts in the aggregated standings, meaning both teams had motivation beyond mere pride.
A strong finish here could help them leapfrog rivals in the table and get closer to securing a spot in continental competition next year — something crucial for prestige, revenue, and attracting new talent.
The Bigger Picture for Atlético Nacional
The end of this tournament is likely to spark major changes within the Atlético Nacional organization. Coach Gandolfi is under scrutiny, and rumors of internal disputes between management and the locker room have circulated. The fans’ anger is also aimed at the club’s board, demanding investment, leadership, and a return to the glory days.
Should Nacional fail to make international tournaments next year, it may lead to a comprehensive restructuring during the off-season, including changes in coaching staff, scouting, and player personnel.
Once Caldas: Building on a Young Core
For Once Caldas, this match is not just the end of the semester but a moment of transition. With limited financial resources, the club is looking to build around younger players and seek a sustainable model going forward. Coach Herrera’s decisions in this final match could indicate who he sees as vital for the future.
If they manage a win, it could be a vital psychological boost heading into the next campaign, helping the club rebuild momentum.
Final Thoughts: A Match Without a Title, But Not Without Meaning
Matches like these, despite lacking silverware stakes, still carry deep emotional and strategic weight. For fans, players, and management, it’s a moment of reckoning, reflection, and sometimes redemption. Both Once Caldas and Atlético Nacional have storied histories and proud traditions — and while this wasn’t their year, how they finish can help define how they begin the next.
The Liga BetPlay 2025-I may be ending, but for these clubs, the mission continues: rebuild, regroup, and return stronger in 2025-II.
