Once Caldas and Santa Fe are set to face off in a highly anticipated match filled with pressure, as both teams vie for a spot in the finals. While Once Caldas has a strong home record and aims to build on their recent performance in Medellín, Santa Fe is looking to overcome the disappointment of their recent classic match defeat. Notably, Santa Fe has historically performed well in Manizales, adding to the stakes of this encounter.
Currently, Once Caldas boasts an impressive six-match unbeaten streak at Palogrande, maintaining a clean sheet in four of those games. However, they have faced a challenge lately, with two consecutive matches without scoring—a troubling trend that they must address as the competition intensifies. Santa Fe, on the other hand, is reeling from a loss to Tolima but has a favorable record in Manizales, having gone through a series of visits without conceding a goal.
The historical match data indicates a strong likelihood of a low-scoring affair, as under 2.5 goals have been recorded in five of their last six encounters. Once Caldas has managed to score in just two of these matchups, further hinting at potential difficulties in breaking through the opposing defense. In a recent review of their encounters, Santa Fe emerged victorious in four of their last seven official matches against Once Caldas, establishing a psychological advantage.
For those looking to place bets, caution is advised. Once Caldas has struggled offensively, generating less than 1.0 expected goals (xG) in their match against Nacional, despite having more ball possession. Santa Fe’s game plan typically involves a pragmatic approach, relying on an organized 4-2-3-1 formation, yet their ability to create chances has been less effective, making them the second-worst team in xG as visitors.
The game is likely to be tightly contested, with a significant 62% of their past meetings ending with neither team scoring. Each team excels defensively—Once Caldas keeps their goal intact 60% of the time at home, while Santa Fe does so 50% of the time on the road. Additionally, the match has a history of disciplinary action, with five of the last seven games exceeding 4.5 yellow cards, indicating the intensity expected.
The betting odds favor Once Caldas, with a probability of winning at 46.5%, while Santa Fe’s chances are lower at 27.4%. As both teams prepare for this crucial match, the emotional stakes and tactical nuances will play a vital role in determining the outcome.
For fans and followers, this matchup presents an exciting opportunity for teams to reclaim momentum in the competition and demonstrate their capabilities under pressure.