Junior Barranquilla and Once Caldas Share Points in Thrilling 2-2 Draw

In a pulsating encounter at the Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Atlético Junior Barranquilla and Deportiva Once Caldas played out an electric 2-2 draw in the Categoría Primera A. The match, played on May 14, 2026, lived up to its billing as both sides traded blows in a contest full of intensity, tactical adjustments, and dramatic momentum shifts.

Match Overview

Junior entered the match looking to consolidate their position near the top of the league table, while Once Caldas aimed to build on a mid-table run. From the first whistle, the home side pressed high, looking to exploit the flanks, but Once Caldas stood firm and hit back with dangerous counterattacks. The final scoreline reflected a game where neither team could fully impose control, but both showed quality in attack and resilience in defense.

Key Moments

• 12th minute: Junior’s left winger surged past a defender and delivered a low cross that was turned in by striker Carlos Bacca, giving the hosts an early lead.
• 34th minute: Once Caldas equalized through a well-worked set piece; a corner found the head of central defender Andrés Correa, who powered the ball past the keeper.
• 61st minute: Junior regained the advantage after a quick one-two in the box ended with a clinical finish from midfielder Yesus Cabrera.
• 79th minute: Once Caldas struck again, this time from open play. A through ball split the defense, and substitute Dayro Moreno slotted home with composure to make it 2-2.
• 88th minute: Junior had a golden chance to win it, but a close-range header was brilliantly saved by Once Caldas goalkeeper José Luis Chunga.

Tactical Story

Junior manager Arturo Reyes set his team up in a 4-3-3, relying on width and quick transitions. The full-backs pushed high, creating overloads, but this left space for Once Caldas to exploit on the break. In contrast, Once Caldas manager Hernán Darío Herrera employed a compact 4-4-2, prioritizing defensive solidity and quick forward passes into the channels. The game became a chess match: Junior dominated possession (62%), but Once Caldas created better chances from counters and set pieces, finishing with 14 shots to Junior’s 11.

Standout Players

• Yesus Cabrera (Junior): The midfielder scored a crucial goal and showed tireless energy in the center of the park, completing 89% of his passes and winning four duels.
• Dayro Moreno (Once Caldas): Coming off the bench, the veteran forward changed the game with his intelligent movement and composed finish, proving once again why he remains a key figure.
• José Luis Chunga (Once Caldas): The goalkeeper made five saves, including a vital stop in the dying minutes, earning his team a hard-fought point.

Table and Season Impact

The draw leaves Junior Barranquilla in third place in the Categoría Primera A standings, now three points behind leaders Millonarios. Once Caldas remain in seventh, but the point keeps them within striking distance of the top eight. For Junior, dropping points at home will be frustrating, especially given their late missed chances. However, for Once Caldas, the resilience shown in coming back twice strengthens their push for a finals spot.

With the season approaching its decisive phase, both teams will look to build on this performance. Junior will target a return to winning ways in their next fixture away to Deportivo Pasto, while Once Caldas prepare to host Independiente Santa Fe. The two sides may have shared the spoils today, but they left the Estadio Metropolitano with contrasting feelings: satisfaction from the visitors, and a sense of “what if” for the hosts.