The second round of the Colombian Apertura takes us to Manizales, where Once Caldas host Independiente Santa Fe at the Estadio Palogrande. This fixture promises intensity and balance, as both sides arrive with contrasting moods but similar ambitions. The home team began their campaign with a valuable away win, while the visitors are still searching for their first league victory of the season. With both clubs aiming to establish early momentum in Liga BetPlay, this encounter could set the tone for their upcoming weeks.

Once Caldas: Recent Form and Key Stats

Once Caldas enter this match in excellent shape, having gone unbeaten in their last five games across all competitions, with three wins and two draws. Their recent 1-2 victory over Cúcuta Deportivo on January 19 confirmed their solid start to the new season. The team’s defensive organization has been a key factor, conceding only 0.4 goals per match on average in their last five outings, while maintaining a steady scoring rate of one goal per game.

In the current Liga BetPlay campaign, Once Caldas have recorded one win, no draws, and no defeats, averaging two goals scored and one conceded per match. Their consistency at both ends of the pitch has been notable, and they have shown resilience even in tight contests. Interestingly, only five of their last 25 league matches have ended with under 0.5 total goals, suggesting that their games tend to produce at least some attacking action.

• Ranking: 6th in Liga BetPlay


• Last 5 matches: 3 wins, 2 draws, 0 defeats


• Average goals scored: 1.0 per match


• Average goals conceded: 0.4 per match


• Last head-to-head vs Santa Fe: 1-2 defeat (September 2, 2025)

Despite their recent positive form, Once Caldas have struggled historically against Santa Fe, winning only one of their last five meetings. However, their current momentum and home advantage could help them reverse that trend.

Independiente Santa Fe: Recent Form and Key Stats

Independiente Santa Fe arrive in Manizales after a 1-1 draw against Rionegro Águilas in their opening league fixture. Although they lifted the Supercopa de Colombia earlier this year by defeating Junior de Barranquilla, their overall recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five official matches. During that stretch, they have averaged 0.8 goals scored and 1.0 conceded per game, showing a need for greater efficiency in attack.

In Liga BetPlay, Santa Fe’s record stands at zero wins, one draw, and zero losses, with both goals scored and conceded averaging one per match. Their away performances have been characterized by low-scoring encounters: under 3.5 goals have been recorded in each of their last 15 away games, and in 30 of their last 31 league matches, at least one team failed to score in the second half. This pattern suggests a cautious approach, particularly when playing on the road.

• Ranking: 12th in Liga BetPlay


• Last 5 matches: 1 win, 2 draws, 2 defeats


• Average goals scored: 0.8 per match


• Average goals conceded: 1.0 per match


• Under 3.5 goals: in last 13 league matches

While Santa Fe’s defensive structure remains solid, their attack has lacked consistency. Their ability to find the net in four of their last five matches is encouraging, but they will need to improve their finishing if they hope to challenge a confident Once Caldas side.

Once Caldas vs Santa Fe: Analysis and Prediction

This clash between Once Caldas and Santa Fe brings together two teams with contrasting dynamics. The hosts are unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions, while the visitors have struggled to maintain rhythm despite their recent Supercopa triumph. Historically, Santa Fe have had the upper hand in this fixture, but current form suggests a more balanced contest.

Both teams have shown the ability to score, with Once Caldas finding the net in each of their last five league games and Santa Fe doing so in four of their last five. However, both sides also tend to keep matches tight, with few high-scoring outcomes. Given these trends, a competitive and evenly matched encounter is expected, where both teams could find the back of the net but without an abundance of goals overall.

According to the latest data, the win probabilities stand at Once Caldas 53%, Draw 25%, and Santa Fe 22%. The balance of probabilities and recent performances point toward a closely fought game, with the home side slightly favored to edge it.

Once Caldas vs Santa Fe prediction by BetMines:
Both Teams To Score (Yes) with 50% probability.