The opening day of the Liga BetPlay Clausura kicks off with a clash between two teams aiming to be serious contenders at the top of the table. At Estadio Palogrande in Manizales, Once Caldas hosts Atletico Nacional in one of the most anticipated matches of the first round of the second half of the Colombian league season. During the Liga BetPlay Apertura, both teams had similar performances, finishing seventh and fifth respectively, separated by just two points. Their top-eight finishes earned them spots in the group stage of the playoffs that determined the two finalists for the title. However, neither team managed to top their group, falling short of reaching the grand final, which was eventually won by Santa Fe. After several weeks of rest, Once Caldas and Atletico Nacional return to action for the second half of the season, which will also see them compete on other fronts. Both teams will play in the Copa Colombia playoffs at the end of July. Additionally, Once Caldas will compete in the Copa Sudamericana on July 17, while Atletico Nacional will play in the Copa Libertadores in mid-August. The objective for both Hernan Dario Herrera's side and Javier Gandolfi's men is to kick off their Clausura campaign with a win in this direct clash for playoff positions, which would allow them to better focus on their crowded upcoming schedules. Once Caldas will need to give their all to secure a win, especially since they haven't beaten Atletico Nacional in any of their three encounters in 2025. On the other hand, Atletico Nacional will aim to capitalize on their star-studded attack, though it has been inconsistent in away matches.

Once Caldas Recent Form and Key Stats

Once Caldas ended the first half of the season with a disappointing streak of seven games without a win, recording four losses and three draws. In early July, they played two friendlies: a 1-0 loss to Mexican side Cruz Azul, and a 1-1 draw against Argentina's Newell's Old Boys. Their only goal came from 39-year-old striker Dayro Moreno via a penalty kick – he’s also the team’s top scorer with 11 goals this season.

In the Liga BetPlay Apertura, which ended on May 25, Dario Herrera’s team finished seventh with 33 points, thanks to 10 wins, 3 draws, and 7 losses. They averaged 1.3 goals scored and 1.1 conceded per match. In the group phase of the playoffs, they earned just 3 points in 6 matches (3 draws, 4 goals scored, 7 conceded). Their main weakness was their defense, which was one of the worst among the top-half teams.

Atletico Nacional Recent Form and Key Stats

Atletico Nacional had a very mixed June, picking up 2 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses. The good news ahead of this league opener is that their latest victory came against Once Caldas, winning 2-1 away on June 20 thanks to goals from Dairon Asprilla and Marino Hinestroza.

Javier Gandolfi’s side finished fifth in the Liga BetPlay Apertura first phase with 35 points (10 wins, 5 draws, 5 losses). Their biggest strength is undoubtedly their attack – the best in the league's first half with 37 goals, averaging 1.85 per game. In the group stage playoffs, they earned 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses), scoring and conceding 5 goals.

Once Caldas vs Atletico Nacional Prediction and Tactical Overview

The Once Caldas vs Atletico Nacional prediction from BetMines for Matchday 1 of the Liga BetPlay Clausura leans towards a very balanced match, with the visitors slightly favored. BetMines’ algorithm gives the home side a 33% chance of winning, a 28% chance for a draw, and a 38% probability for an away victory.

These two teams have already met three times in 2025, with Atletico Nacional winning twice (home and away) and drawing once. The feeling is that the visitors will once again avoid defeat, making a draw or an away win (Double Chance X2) the safer bet.

Being the first matchday of the season, both teams are expected to take a cautious approach, possibly resulting in a match with fewer than three total goals (Under 2.5 goals). Once Caldas has scored just twice in their last three home games – one of which came from a penalty – while the visitors have failed to score in 6 of their last 10 away matches across all competitions.

• Once Caldas vs Atletico Nacional BetMines Prediction: Double Chance Away (X2) – 66%
  
  
• Once Caldas vs Atletico Nacional BetMines Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals – 59%

Predicted Lineups Once Caldas vs Atletico Nacional

ONCE CALDAS (4-1-4-1): Aguirre; Cuesta, Castaño, Riquett, Cardona; Royas; Barrios, Garcia, Beltran, Zuleta; Moreno. Coach: Hernan Dario Herrera

ATLETICO NACIONAL (4-4-2): Castillo; Castro, Arias, Tesillo, Candido; Hinestroza, Cardona, J. Zapata, Asprilla; Sarmiento, Morelos. Coach: Javier Gandolfi