Santa Fe vs Once Caldas Prediction & Betting Tips (2 September)

Santa Fe welcomes Once Caldas to El Campín this August 31 in a clash that pits two sides with contrasting fortunes in the Colombian Primera A. Jorge Bava’s Santa Fe, currently sitting mid-table, are looking to rebound after a disappointing 2-0 loss to Fortaleza. Despite the setback, the team has shown resilience in recent weeks, including a gritty 1-0 win over Envigado and a hard-fought draw against Atlético Nacional. Bava’s tactical discipline has kept Santa Fe’s defensive line tight, conceding just 0.8 goals per game over their last six matches. With home advantage and a solid backline, Santa Fe will aim to control possession and strike early.

Once Caldas, meanwhile, arrive in Bogotá nursing wounds from a narrow 0-1 defeat to Deportes Tolima. Hernán Herrera’s squad has struggled to find consistency, languishing at the bottom of the table with only three points from seven matches. Injuries have compounded their woes—Jaider Riquett and Jorge Cardona remain doubtful due to muscle strains, while Daniel Zabala and Leonardo Sequeira are sidelined with long-term issues. Nonetheless, the team retains attacking spark through veteran striker Dayro Moreno, who was rested last weekend and is expected to lead the line with renewed energy.

Both teams share eerily similar goal stats over their last six outings—six scored and five conceded apiece—suggesting a tightly contested affair. However, Santa Fe’s superior home form and Once Caldas’ travel fatigue tilt the balance. The visitors have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last two matches and have drawn at halftime in all six recent fixtures, indicating a cautious start but vulnerability as the game progresses. Santa Fe, on the other hand, have shown a knack for scoring first and grinding out narrow wins, especially at home.

Given the tactical setups and recent form, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Santa Fe feels like the most plausible outcome. Expect the hosts to capitalize on Once Caldas’ defensive lapses in the second half, with Moreno likely to snatch a consolation goal for the visitors. Santa Fe’s midfield, marshaled by Yairo Moreno and supported by their new Uruguayan defensive signing, should provide the structure needed to edge this encounter. It won’t be a goal fest, but it promises to be a strategic battle with just enough drama to keep fans on edge.