Patriotas vs Once Caldas Prediction & Betting Tips (22 August)

Patriotas FC enter the second leg of their Copa Colombia clash against Once Caldas with a mountain to climb after suffering a brutal 6–0 defeat in the first leg. The team, led by manager Jorge Luis Bernal, has shown flashes of resilience in recent league outings, including a 2–0 win over Cúcuta Deportivo and a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Atlético Cali. However, inconsistency has plagued their campaign, with six losses in their last 14 matches. The squad’s attacking output remains modest, averaging under one goal per game, and their defense has struggled to keep clean sheets. With the home crowd at Estadio La Independencia behind them, Patriotas will be desperate to salvage pride and perhaps pull off a surprise.

Once Caldas, meanwhile, are riding high after their dominant first-leg performance, where veteran striker Dayro Moreno led the charge with clinical finishing. Under the guidance of Hernán Darío Herrera, the team has blended experience with youthful energy, with players like Déinner Quiñones and Michael Barrios contributing creatively in midfield. Despite their Copa Colombia success, their league form has been shaky, sitting near the bottom of the table with just one point from four matches. Defensive frailties have been exposed, conceding over two goals per game, and they’ve yet to record a clean sheet this season. The challenge for Herrera will be maintaining focus and avoiding complacency in Tunja.

The tactical battle will likely hinge on how Patriotas approach the game—whether they press aggressively to unsettle Once Caldas or sit deep to avoid another rout. Expect Bernal to make adjustments, possibly introducing more pace on the wings to exploit Once Caldas’s slow defensive transitions. On the other side, Herrera may rotate his squad slightly, preserving key players for upcoming league and Sudamericana fixtures. However, given the psychological edge from the first leg, Once Caldas could opt for a counter-attacking setup, using Moreno’s movement and Ibargüen’s speed to strike early and silence the home crowd.

Despite the lopsided aggregate score, this match has the makings of a tighter contest. Patriotas have shown they can grind out results at home, and Once Caldas’s defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed if they underestimate their opponents. A 2–1 scoreline in favor of Patriotas feels plausible—enough to restore some dignity but not enough to overturn the tie. Expect a spirited performance from the hosts, a goal from Moreno to keep his tally climbing, and a late consolation strike that seals the predicted 2–1 result.