Cruzeiro Vs. Once Caldas: Once Caldas Pull Off Upset, Win 3-2 On Aggregate

To give you an idea of just how well the SB Nation Soccer brain trust thought this match was going to turn out, here’s the note beside Once Caldas’ trip to Cruzeiro in our coverage calendar: Cruzeiro have this in the bag, let’s just do [a full time update]. Whoops.

Although Once Caldas were coming off a 2-1 home defeat against one of the more powerful teams in the Copa Libertadores, they weren’t about to give up their dream of getting past the Round of Sixteen. Their task was made a little bit easier by Cruzeiro midfielder Roger picking up two bookings in five first half minutes (an impressive feat), but they gave that advantage right back when Carlos Carbanero earned a straight red in the 56th minute. And they still hadn’t scored (despite hitting the post in the 34th minute). And they were in the Areno do Jacore.

No sweat, though. Ten minutes later and the Colombians were level on aggregate (although still behind on away goals), with John Pajoy depositing a corner kick neatly onto Diego Amaya’s head for an easy goal. They were still going to lose the tie unless they scored again, but the momentum was with Once Caldas. When Pajol’s close-range shot hit Fabio’s crossbar, Dayro Moreno was on hand to sweep up to send his side into a shock 3-2 lead.

It stayed that way, Cruzeiro managing a grand total of two shots after going behind, and the visitors nearly adding to their lead - they hit the woodwork for the third time in the match in injury time. After racing ahead to a 2-0 lead int he first leg, Cruzeiro went to sleep and just couldn’t wake up. It was a well deserved win for Once Caldas, however, who could easily have one that first leg in Colombia.