The long-standing rivalry between Deportivo Pereira and Once Caldas writes another chapter at the Estadio Hernan Ramirez Villegas on 10 April 2026, with kick-off set for 22:30 CEST. As the Primera A 2026 Apertura heads into a pivotal stage, this fixture brings pronounced contrasts in form, ambition, and tactical philosophy. Under the guidance of Arturo Reyes, home side Deportivo Pereira are searching for their elusive first win of the campaign, desperate to reinvigorate a season in freefall. Visitors Once Caldas, helmed by Hernán Herrera, seek to cement their status among the league’s front-runners, buoyed by a robust start and a far superior record both home and away.
Critical to this showdown will be the performances of Yuber Quiñones, whose dynamism in the Pereira attack offers a rare bright spot, and Dayro Moreno, whose cutting edge and experience can tilt any contest for the visitors. The defensive leadership of Jorge Bermúdez for Pereira and the playmaking acumen of Luis Sánchez in Once Caldas’ midfield are also worthy of attention as these teams battle for supremacy.
One “hot stat” leaps off the page: Deportivo Pereira has not registered a single win in their last 15 matches of the year, a stark contrast to Once Caldas’ 35 percent win rate in 2026, and this gulf is further reflected in their respective goal differences and table positions.
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Deportivo Pereira vs Once Caldas predictions
Me best bet: Once Caldas to win. Given the home side’s dismal winless record over 15 league games and defensive frailty (29 goals conceded, the highest in the division), Once Caldas possesses both the form and tactical composure to capitalise. The visitors blend defensive solidity (only 19 goals against in 15 matches) with attacking edge, notably through Dayro Moreno and Felipe Gomez. This balance makes them the superior pick both by win probability and implied bookmakers odds.
Tactically, Pereira typically deploys a 4-1-4-1 formation, relying on direct transitions and sporadic width. However, with low pass accuracy (ca. 80 percent) and high fouling (45 fouls in the last 5 matches), their attempts to disrupt are often undermined by a lack of discipline (11 yellow cards recently). Once Caldas favour a 5-3-2, leveraging width from deep and midfield ball retention, supported by higher pass volume and accuracy. Their moderate foul count (39) and similar disciplinary record suggest greater tactical maturity. Expect Once Caldas to control possession phases, exploit wide overloads, and press Pereira into errors — all contributing to a likely away victory.
- ⚽Total Goals: Under 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: No
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5
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Deportivo Pereira vs Once Caldas Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Deportivo Pereira | Once Caldas |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 6 | 8 |
| Total shots | 48 | 62 |
| Free kicks | 17 | 13 |
| Corner kicks | 17 | 13 |
| Total fouls | 45 | 39 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 80 | 83 |
| Interceptions | 36 | 36 |
| Offsides | 5 | 9 |
Recent encounters show a marginal edge for Once Caldas, having won two of the last five matches, with one draw and two wins for Pereira. However, the most recent clashes point to a shift in momentum; Once Caldas’ tactical evolution and organized build-up consistently outperformed Pereira’s high-press but error-prone defence. The last time the teams met at this venue, Once Caldas managed a disciplined 1-0 victory, leveraging swift counters. Expect history to play its part as Once Caldas assert control once more.
🚨Read our full Deportivo Pereira vs Once Caldas stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Deportivo Pereira has not won a single match in Primera A this year (15 attempted).
- Once Caldas have lost just twice in 15 matches and are unbeaten in their last four away fixtures.
- In the last five H2H matches, only one has seen both teams score.
- Pereira have conceded 29 goals — worst in the division.
- Once Caldas’ defense is among the top four in terms of goals conceded.
- Average corners per match in recent games: 7.5 between both teams.
Deportivo Pereira vs Once Caldas score prediction: 0-2
Expect a composed and methodical display from Once Caldas, with Dayro Moreno orchestrating the attack and Felipe Gomez exploiting Pereira’s flanks. Pereira’s lack of cutting edge and vulnerability in transition suggest a clean sheet is likely for the visitors, who have the confidence and tactical awareness to secure a 2-goal margin at minimum.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Once Caldas the favourite
| Moneyline | Deportivo Pereira 4.50 | Once Caldas 1.80 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.60 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.04 | Under 2.5 1.70 | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 2.16 | No 1.72 | |
Bookmakers unequivocally back Once Caldas, with their implied probability exceeding 50 percent and most major books offering near parity for an away win. Over/Under odds reflect mild skepticism regarding goal volume, mirroring both teams’ tepid conversion rate and defensive strategies. Given Pereira’s lack of attacking consistency and Once Caldas’ strong defensive unit, “No” for both teams to score, and Under 2.5 goals, are value bets that align well with statistical trends and recent form.
Deportivo Pereira vs Once Caldas Over/Under Analysis
- Deportivo Pereira has scored more than one goal just once in their last five matches.
- Once Caldas’ away matches have featured under 2.5 goals on three occasions in the last five.
- Combined H2H Over 2.5 only twice in last seven meetings.
- Strong defensive trends: both sides with fewer than 1.5 goals per game.
- Recommended: Under 2.5 goals.
Deportivo Pereira Preview
Pereira’s season is unraveling in spectacular fashion: zero wins from 15, with the last five encounters yielding three defeats and two draws. The 2-3 loss to Alianza Petrolera typified recurring defensive breakdowns and a failure to protect leads, despite flashes of inspiration from the likes of Yuber Quiñones. Their passing remains imprecise and transitions are often stifled by ill-discipline and high turnover rates.

Deportivo Pereira possible starting eleven
- GK: Jorge Eliecer Martínez
- DF: Eber Moreno, Jordy Monroy, Nicolás Rengifo, Fabio Delgado
- MF: Jorge Bermúdez, Sebastian Acosta, Miguel Ángel Aguirre, Luis Jeiner Moreno, Miguel Palacios
- FW: Yuber Quiñones
Once Caldas Preview
Once Caldas enter the fixture with significantly better momentum: two wins, three draws, and just one defeat in their last six. Their recent 1-1 result against Independiente Medellin exemplified tactical patience and defensive composure, with Dayro Moreno again key in attack. The midfield trio, marshalled by Luis Sánchez and Robert Mejia, excel in ball circulation while maintaining disciplined defensive structure. The challenge here will be breaking down a Pereira side desperate for points, but the gap in form and quality remains stark.

Once Caldas possible starting eleven
- GK: Joan Parra
- DF: Jorge Cardona, Juan Cuesta, Kevin Zapata, Juan Castaño, Kevin Andres Cuesta Rodriguez
- MF: Luis Sánchez, Robert Mejia Navarrete, Jader Quinones
- FW: Dayro Moreno, Felipe Gomez
Our prediction: Who Wins?
Our Tips.GG expert analysis points clearly to an away victory for Once Caldas. Statistically, stylistically, and mentally, they possess all the advantages needed to secure three points. The model assigns Once Caldas a 52 percent likelihood of victory (AI prediction engine), reinforcing both tactical projections and bookmaker sentiment. The gulf in form, defensive discipline, and attacking composure cannot be overstated. For those seeking a value edge, Once Caldas to win stands out as the main pick of this round.
How to watch Deportivo Pereira vs Once Caldas
- When? 10 April 2026, 22:30 CEST
- Where? Estadio Hernan Ramirez Villegas, Pereira
- How to watch: Local Colombian broadcasters, selected international streaming platforms
- Favorite: Once Caldas
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Once Caldas. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo

