Once Caldas Set Sights on Continental Title in Quito Match Against Independiente del Valle

Once Caldas will represent Colombia in the Copa Sudamericana. The Manizales-based team is the only Colombian club remaining in international play this season and will face Independiente del Valle in the quarterfinals on Wednesday night. The match is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. local time at Banco Guayaquil Stadium in Quito and will be available to watch on ESPN and Disney+.

The Albos advanced past Argentina’s Huracán in the round of 16 and aim for another significant achievement, nearly two decades after winning the 2004 Copa Libertadores. For this match, the team welcomes back Robert Mejía, Efraín Navarro, and Andrés Ibargüen, who missed earlier matches. However, head coach Hernán Darío “Arriero” Herrera faces challenges as midfielder Alejandro García is out with a muscle injury and Déinner Quiñones left the recent league match against Envigado early due to injury.

The team, with 35 members, arrived in Quito on Tuesday via charter flight from Pereira. Veteran striker Dayro Moreno leads the team, having scored eight goals in the tournament and playing a crucial role in their attack.

Independiente del Valle has a strong history in continental competitions and has a well-rounded squad under coach Javier Rabanal. Their expected lineup includes goalkeeper Guido Villar, defender Richard Schunke, and playmaker Junior Sornoza.

Herrera’s Once Caldas is likely to start James Aguirre in goal, with Juan David Cuesta, Jorge Cardona, Jéider Riquett, and Luis Palacios in defense; Robert Mejía and Mateo García in midfield; and Luis Sánchez, Michael Barrios, and Mateo Zuleta supporting Dayro Moreno in offense.

A positive outcome in Quito would boost Once Caldas’ efforts to return to the continental spotlight and keep hopes alive for another historic final.