Santa Fe vs Once Caldas - Primera A

The Primera A returns to the home ground on August 3, 2026, where Santa Fe and Once Caldas will lock horns in a contest that could shape their respective campaigns. The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

Both Santa Fe and Once Caldas will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Primera A. Patchy would be the kindest description of Santa Fe's recent run: WDDDW in their last five, a season win rate of 37.5%. The visitors have been a mixed bag on the road, LWWWW in their last five and a win rate of 33.33% reflecting their unpredictability. The contrast in attacking output — 1.5 versus 1.44 goals per game — adds an extra layer of intrigue. If the recent winter window is anything to go off, meanwhile, United are once again unlikely to spend big for reinforcement half-way through the season.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. Santa Fe will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Once Caldas must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. Amad won possession in the PSG half before laying the ball off for Bryan Mbeumo to score.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman Y. Guzmán — 16 goals this term — will be one to watch. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Milan join Napoli and Bournemouth in race for Rennes striker Embolo.

The fixture has the feel of a coin-flip, and picking a winner with any conviction would require a braver pundit than most. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 2-2 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. The result at the home ground could resonate well beyond matchday in the Primera A picture. And Fonseca does not place too much weight on the decision of Roberto Martinez to omit him from the World Cup squad in favour of his Benfica team-mate Tomas Araujo.