Clean sheet and knockout advance: Once Caldas beats Alianza Valledupar 1-0
In the Copa Colombia Round of 16, Once Caldas edged Alianza Valledupar thanks to a 17th-minute goal by A. Roa, maintaining a clean sheet and securing the pass. A classic with 20 previous meetings: Once Caldas 4 wins at home, Valledupar 7, and 9 draws.
Once Caldas
Alianza ValleduparClean sheet and knockout advance
There was no goal frenzy needed to decide the tie: Once Caldas kept a clean sheet and advanced to the next round.
The final score was 1-0.
Story: the arc and turning point
At 17 minutes, A. Roa opened the scoring for Once Caldas.
The rest of the match saw substitutions at 64 minutes and a missed penalty at 83' that left the score at 1-0.
Angle: 20 meetings and the memory of the classic
In 20 previous meetings, Once Caldas won 4, Valledupar 7, and 9 ended in draws.
The knockout format meant elimination; the early goal and solid defense defined the affair and allowed Once Caldas to advance.
