Deportivo Cali secured a crucial 2-1 victory over Once Caldas at Estadio Palogrande during the tenth matchday of the Liga Colombiana, according to match reports from tournament broadcasters and regional coverage. Forward Juan Dinenno scored the decisive goal in the 83rd minute to propel the visiting side into the top eight of the league standings.
Early Breakthrough at Palogrande
The visiting side established control early in the fixture. According to match accounts, midfielder Nicolás Benedetti opened the scoring in the 12th minute, striking cleanly to put Deportivo Cali ahead 1-0. The early goal disrupted the defensive scheme of Once Caldas, forcing the hosts to chase the game under mounting pressure from their home supporters in Manizales.
Deportivo Cali maintained their narrow advantage through the remainder of the first half, successfully neutralizing attempts from the local attack before heading to the locker rooms with a 1-0 lead.
Once Caldas Responds After Halftime
The home side altered their tactical approach after the interval. Just five minutes into the second half, in the 50th minute, midfielder Jefry Zapata broke through the Deportivo Cali backline to equalize, making it 1-1. The goal restored momentum for Once Caldas, who sought to capitalize on home-field advantage and break their recent run of difficult results.
As the match wore on, both teams exchanged offensive opportunities. Once Caldas applied sustained pressure through the left flank, while Deportivo Cali tested the home defense with medium-range efforts and organized counter-attacks.
Dinenno Secures the Three Points
With the clock winding down and a draw looming, Deportivo Cali reclaimed the advantage. In the 83rd minute, Juan Dinenno found space inside the penalty area to convert the winning goal, securing a 2-1 scoreline that held through six minutes of stoppage time.
According to league data, the victory lifts Deportivo Cali to 12 points in the tournament table after 10 matches, moving them directly into the qualification bracket for the final phases. Meanwhile, Once Caldas remains stalled on 9 points, adding urgency to their upcoming fixtures as pressure mounts on the technical staff from supporters in Manizales.
Standings Impact and What Lies Ahead
The result alters the immediate trajectory of both clubs in the Liga Colombiana. Deportivo Cali capitalizes on the away triumph to cement their place among the top eight contenders, validating tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff on the road. For Once Caldas, the missed opportunity at home leaves them searching for consistency as the tournament reaches its midpoint.
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