Once Caldas vs Atlético Nacional Copa BetPlay semifinal first leg, Digi Mart USA News (Manizales, Colombia): Once Caldas and Atlético Nacional played to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday, November 10, at the Palogrande stadium in Manizales in the first leg of the Copa BetPlay 2026 semifinals. The home side created the clearest chances for much of the match and took the lead, but the Antioquia club equalized late through James Rodríguez.
The first half belonged largely to Once Caldas. After VAR ruled out a goal by Felipe Gómez for offside, the striker returned in the 39th minute to head home a cross from Jefry Zapata to make it 1-0.
Nacional also pushed for a goal, but goalkeeper Éder Parra made several saves against James and other visiting players.
In the second half, Atlético Nacional advanced its lines and looked for an equalizer, while Once Caldas sought to protect its lead with a compact defensive block. The match changed in the 75th minute when Felipe Gómez was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Five minutes later, Elías Cabrera also received a straight red card, leaving Nacional with ten players.
In that situation, James Rodríguez scored in the 82nd minute, controlling the ball on his chest inside the area and beating Parra with a powerful shot. It was his first goal for Atlético Nacional and his first goal from open play since September 2025.
Once Caldas came close to restoring its lead in the final minutes through Dayro Moreno, but Franco Armani prevented a second goal with a decisive save.
The score did not change again, and both teams finished with ten players. The result leaves the tie open, with the place in the Copa BetPlay final to be decided in the second leg.
