A complete guide to following the notable BetPlay League second half clash unfolds here, offering fans a clear view of what to expect and when to watch. Atlético Nacional aims to spark a comeback in the 2023 second leg after missing the chance to lift its 18th title in the previous season. The opener features two champions going head to head, as Nacional visits Once Caldas on their home turf at Palogrande in Manizales.
In a period of transition, with a temporary coach after Paulo Autuori stepped down and only one new reinforcement, Uruguayan Maxi Cantera, Verdolaga must contend with a stubborn opponent that rarely makes it easy for visitors. Once Caldas also faces a demanding phase, fighting relegation worries while knowing that the new round demands consistent effort to stay safe at this stage of the competition.
Once Caldas vs. Atlético Nacional: minute-by-minute updates, preview, goals and statistics
Once Caldas vs. Atlético Nacional: start date and kickoff time
Once Caldas vs. Atlético Nacional: TV coverage and online options
Path to this matchup
• At home in Manizales, Atlético Nacional and Once Caldas have not drawn since March 2015. The home side has recorded three wins, while the visitors have four victories to their name.
• Nacional conceded only one goal in their last five league clashes with Once Caldas, posting 3 wins and 1 draw, with the sole defeat dating to October 2022 when the final score was 0-1.
• Once Caldas showed the highest number of absences in the BetPlay DIMAYOR I League 2023, reflecting a rotation of players and injuries across the squad.
• Nacional ranked among the league’s most frequent shots on target in 2023, tied with Águilas Doradas for second place with 126 attempts, just behind Alianza Petrolera at 128.
• Nacional led the league at halftime more often than any other team in 2023 and ultimately won ten of those matches, underscoring their ability to control early phases and set the tone for the game.
Head-to-head: last five matches
p>Verdolaga has the edge over Albo in recent meetings, recording three wins, one draw, and one defeat. The most recent fixture in Medellín ended with Atlético Nacional securing a victory by the slimmest of margins.
Additional insights
p>These matchups tend to be close, with tactical battles shaping the league’s mid-season narrative. Analysts note the psychological edge Nacional holds from prior encounters, while Once Caldas leverages home advantage to press for crucial points in front of their fans. The clash promises intensity as both teams aim to steady their campaigns and push toward the upper portion of the table.
Match context matters: timing, injuries, and squad rotation all influence the approach. Coaches will balance defensive solidity with the need to unlock the opponent’s back line, making set pieces and transitions focal points in shaping the outcome. For fans, this is more than a game; it’s a test of character and depth as the season accelerates toward the final stretch. (Goal)