The Estadio Manuel Calle Lombana in Villavicencio sets the scene for a pivotal Apertura clash as Llaneros hosts Once Caldas in the Colombian Primera A 2026 on March 30, with kickoff scheduled for 04:30 CEST. With Llaneros seeking vital points to revitalize their campaign under José Luis García, and Hernán Herrera’s in-form Once Caldas aiming to consolidate a top-three place, this encounter could be decisive in shaping both teams’ seasons. The atmosphere at this historic venue will add an extra layer of intensity, as fans from both camps descend upon Villavicencio for what promises to be a captivating battle.
Among the expected starters, Llaneros midfielder Kelvin Osorio’s industrious approach and Once Caldas striker Dayro Moreno’s clinical edge mark them as players to watch. Both are likely to be key in dictating the rhythm of the game and influencing its outcome.
A standout statistic: Once Caldas has netted 11 goals in their last five matches, more than double Llaneros’ tally in the same period—a clear testament to their offensive momentum heading into this tie.
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Llaneros vs Once Caldas predictions
My best bet: Once Caldas to win (2).
As we analyze recent form, offensive firepower, and squad coherence, Once Caldas emerges as the front-runner. Their attacking trio, spearheaded by the prolific Dayro Moreno (4 goals in last 5 outings), and dynamic playmakers like Felipe Gomez, has been instrumental in their ascendancy. Llaneros, despite their resilience, have won just once in their last five and struggled to consistently create high-quality chances. Once Caldas’s capacity to turn possession into threat—averaging 2.2 goals per game across their previous five—is unmatched by the hosts’ modest output.
Both sides have been combative. Llaneros average 14 fouls per match, with 9 yellow cards recently—notably more disciplined than Once Caldas, who’ve seen 12 yellows in the same period. Ball possession should tilt slightly to Once Caldas, whose midfield displays greater composure and range, as their 2196 passes and 81% pass accuracy (vs Llaneros’ 1642 passes and 70%) suggest. Expect a fast-paced midfield duel, where discipline and control could determine who capitalizes on transitions and set pieces.
Prop picks by me:
- ⚽Total Goals: Over 2.5
- 💥Both Teams To Score: Yes
- 🎯Total Corners: Over 9.5
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Llaneros vs Once Caldas Most recent H2Hs
| Statistic | Llaneros | Once Caldas |
|---|---|---|
| Pass accuracy (%) | 70 | 81 |
| Interceptions | 38 | 30 |
| Offsides | 11 | 12 |
Examining the two most recent H2Hs: Llaneros secured an impressive 2-0 win during the 2025 Clausura, mastering transitions and pressing Once Caldas high. In the previous meeting, Once Caldas managed a tight 1-0 away victory, capitalizing on their set piece quality. Both sides have shown the capacity to disrupt each other’s rhythm, but Once Caldas’ recent scoring form and improved squad balance suggest a slight edge for the visitors this time.
🚨Read our full Llaneros vs Once Caldas stats for more analysis.
Key Stats
- Once Caldas have scored at least 2 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches
- Llaneros have drawn 3 of their last 5 fixtures (including against top sides)
- Dayro Moreno has scored 4 goals in his last 5 appearances
- Once Caldas average 14.6 shots per game in recent outings
- Llaneros’ pass accuracy (70%) is significantly lower than Once Caldas (81%)
- Both matches last year ended with clean sheets for the winner
Llaneros vs Once Caldas score prediction: 1-2
We predict a 1-2 scoreline in favor of Once Caldas, reflecting their superior goalscoring prowess and midfield control. Expect key contributions from Dayro Moreno and Felipe Gomez in attack, while Llaneros could threaten via Jhon Vasquez’s pace and Kelvin Osorio’s initiative. Defensively, Once Caldas’s back line, anchored by Jorge Cardona and Juan Castaño, will need to manage Llaneros’ set-piece threat. The game’s high tempo and tactical tension should yield goals, and likely see both sides on the scoresheet.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Once Caldas the favourite
| Moneyline | Llaneros 2.86-2.89 | Once Caldas 2.44-2.61 | |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | 3.03-3.25 | |
| Over/Under | Over 2.5 2.15 | Under 2.5 1.72 (sample average) | |
| BTTS (both teams to score) | Yes 1.85 | No 2.00 (sample average) | |
Bookmakers narrowly favor Once Caldas, reflecting their 67% win rate over their last six, higher scoring average, and a squad in stronger recent form. The draw is a second-likely outcome, with Llaneros proving stubborn at home. The odds reflect respect for Llaneros’ resilience but ultimately place faith in Once Caldas’s offensive consistency and defensive improvements. Punters should note that sharp market movement could still occur as kickoff approaches.
Llaneros vs Once Caldas Over/Under Analysis
- Once Caldas have seen Over 2.5 goals in 4 of their last 5 matches
- Llaneros have kept just 1 clean sheet in their last 5 games
- Both teams have scored in 4 of Once Caldas’s past 5 matches
- Expect Over 9 corners, given both sides average close to 4 corners per game each
- High probability for at least 2 first-half goals given early aggression on display recently
Llaneros Preview
Llaneros enter this fixture with mixed momentum. Their last five results highlight an ongoing search for attacking fluency: a 0-0 draw with America de Cali, a 2-2 draw against Cucuta, a tough 0-2 loss to Atletico Nacional, an impressive 2-0 win over Jaguares de Cordoba, and a 1-1 draw with Internacional de Bogota. The side has shown admirable defensive resolve but struggles to convert chances, netting only 5 times in these matches. The midfield, marshalled by Kevin Caicedo and Kelvin Osorio, shows promise in transitions, yet the attack needs more cutting edge if Llaneros are to claim three points.
Their favored 4-1-4-1 system under García provides stability, with Miguel Ortega excelling between the posts, and Francisco Meza adding leadership at centre-back.

Llaneros possible starting eleven
- GK: Miguel Ortega
- DF: Francisco Meza, Alejandro Moralez, Jimmy Medranda, Leider Riascos
- MF: Kelvin Osorio, Kevin Caicedo, Juan Ramirez, Juan Loaiza, Brian Benitez
- FW: Jhon Vasquez
Once Caldas Preview
Once Caldas enter with confidence, buoyed by a strong run featuring four wins in their last six. Their previous contests include a 1-4 win over Millonarios, a 1-1 draw with Bucaramanga, back-to-back wins over Deportivo Pasto (4-2) and Deportivo Cali (2-0), and a clear 3-0 win over Boyaca Chico. This consistency is driven by the irrepressible Dayro Moreno, whose recent form makes him a constant threat, as well as the creative midfield artistry of Luis Sanchez.
Herrera’s 4-2-3-1 maximizes ball retention and pressing intensity, while a robust defense led by Jorge Cardona shores up the back line. The collective balance and offensive aggression of this side position them as favorites in Villavicencio.

Once Caldas possible starting eleven
- GK: Joan Parra
- DF: Jorge Cardona, Juan Cuesta, Kevin Zapata, Juan Castaño
- MF: Robert Mejia, Luis Sanchez, Jader Quinones, Andrés Roa, Michael Barrios
- FW: Dayro Moreno
Our prediction: Who Wins?
Our main pick: Once Caldas to win. With a superior attacking force, tactical versatility, and momentum, Once Caldas stand above Llaneros for this contest. Their approach, predicated on high tempo and patient buildup, gives them a likely edge away from home. While Llaneros could trouble them in set-piece situations—especially early—the pace and finishing of Dayro Moreno, coupled with midfield control from Sanchez and Quinones, should secure a vital three points. Tips.GG’s AI prediction model puts Once Caldas’ win probability at 37%, with the draw and Llaneros at 30% and 33% respectively.
How to watch Llaneros vs Once Caldas
- When? March 30, 2026
- Kick-off time: 04:30 CEST
- Where? Estadio Manuel Calle Lombana, Villavicencio
- How to watch: {streaming options}
- Favorite: Once Caldas
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Once Caldas. Source: Official Facebook. Edited photo

