The crisp air of Manizales, with temperatures hovering around a cool 16 degrees Celsius (61°F), did little to dampen the intensity of the BetPlay Cup quarterfinals’ first leg. The iconic Estadio palogrande, a venue famously visible from a sweeping cable car, became the stage for a fiery encounter between local favorites Once Caldas and the formidable Atlético Nacional.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that neither side was content to play it safe. Once Caldas, under the guidance of Hernán Darío “El Arriero” Herrera, burst out of the gates with an aggressive and high-octane approach. This wasn’t a game for the faint of heart; it was a tactical chess match played at breakneck speed, reminiscent of a high-stakes playoff game in American sports where every possession and every tackle carries immense weight.

The starting lineups offered a glimpse into the strategic battle that was about to unfold. Atlético Nacional fielded a squad brimming with talent, featuring:

Luis Marquínez; Cristian Uribe, Juan José Arias, William Tesillo, Camilo Cándido; Jorman Campuzano, Mateus Uribe; Marino Hinestroza, Edwin Cardona, Andrés Sarmiento; Alfredo Morelos.

This lineup suggests a team built for both defensive solidity and attacking flair, with experienced players like Tesillo and Cardona expected to dictate play. The presence of Morelos up front signals a direct threat,capable of punishing any defensive lapse.

On the other side,Once Caldas countered with their own potent eleven:

Joan Parra; Juan Cuesta; Kevin Cuesta,Jéider Riquett,Jorge Cardona; Robert mejía; Mateo García,Luis Sánchez,Michael Barrios; Dayro Moreno,Felipe Gómez.