Once Caldas
A goalless draw, which finally condemned América, allowed the Manizales team to end a five-year drought. There were nine tournaments without qualifying, but Arriero Herrera’s band did their homework and just enough got into the semi-final home runs after reaching 29 points.
A campaign of eight wins, five draws and six defeats was enough for them to place eighth, break the spell, win back the fans and earn a place in Group B, which they share with Deportes Tolima, Santa Fe and La Equidad, their rival in the debut.
“The favoritism goes to Tolima for what it did, but the games have to be played; I feel that Once Caldas can be a finalist,” the coach told Deporte Sin Tapujos. To achieve this, they will first have to overcome the demanding duel at home against the insurance team, for which attacker Santiago Mera is not called up, but has his figures.