Once Caldas Faces Fire Test Against Independent in Atanasio

Independent Medellín hosts Once Caldas on Saturday at the Atanasio Girardot stadium for a crucial match in the BetPlay II Liga. Once Caldas, currently tenth with 16 points, aims to secure qualification without relying heavily on other results by reaching 30 total points across 18 games played so far. The team is four units behind eighth-place Deportes Tolima but leads rival Independent Medellín by seven units despite the latter being fifth in the standings.

Once Caldas midfielder Juan Pablo Nieto described the Antioquian side as a complicated opponent, noting that National had dominated the first half and Medellín managed to equalize after making two substitutions. He also criticized the tournament's scheduling disorganization, stating it has been an issue for years. Central defender Daniel Londoño expressed personal significance of playing at his hometown stadium while praising Nieto's intelligence and leadership.

Independent Medellín enters the fixture needing five more points from their 23 to qualify directly for the round-robin stage. The Red Powerhouse holds a strong record against Manizales, having won two matches in recent seasons including a decisive victory during the Clausura phase at Palogrande where they scored five goals.

The match is scheduled to begin on October 17, 2026 at 8:10 p.m. local time with Steven Camargo officiating and Win Sports broadcasting coverage.