Once Caldas Vs Millonarios FC: Player Ratings & Analysis

Oct 30, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 57 views

Alright football fanatics! Let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty of the Once Caldas versus Millonarios FC match. Forget just the scoreline; we're dissecting individual performances, handing out player ratings, and analyzing what went right (or terribly wrong) for each team. This isn't your average recap – we're going beyond the headlines to give you the insights you crave.

Once Caldas Player Ratings

Let's kick things off with Once Caldas. Their performance was a mixed bag, with some players shining and others struggling to find their footing. Here's a detailed look at how each player fared:

Goalkeeper (José Cuadrado): 7/10 – Cuadrado had a busy night, facing a barrage of shots from Millonarios' attack. He made several crucial saves, preventing what could have been a more lopsided scoreline. While he couldn't keep a clean sheet, his performance was commendable, showcasing his agility and reflexes. His distribution was also decent, launching a few quick counter-attacks. He demonstrated excellent command of his area, confidently claiming crosses and corners, relieving pressure on his defense. However, his communication with the defenders could be improved to avoid future mix-ups that could lead to dangerous opportunities for the opposition.
Defense (Left-Back: Juan David Valencia): 6/10 – Valencia had a decent game, contributing both defensively and offensively. He made some important tackles and interceptions, but his positioning was occasionally suspect, leaving gaps for Millonarios to exploit. Going forward, he provided some width and delivered a few crosses into the box, but his final product could be more consistent. Valencia's work rate was undeniable as he tirelessly tracked back to support his teammates and push forward to join the attack. His understanding of the game allowed him to anticipate the opponent's moves and intercept passes. Despite his efforts, he needs to refine his decision-making in crucial moments to avoid unnecessary fouls and turnovers.
Defense (Center-Back: Luis Cardoza): 5/10 – Cardoza had a tough time dealing with Millonarios' attacking threats. He was often caught out of position and struggled to win aerial duels. His passing was also erratic, putting his team under pressure. While he showed glimpses of his experience, his overall performance was below par. Cardoza's physical presence was an asset in defense, but he lacked the pace to keep up with the nimble forwards of Millonarios. His leadership skills were evident as he tried to organize the defense, but his efforts were not enough to contain the relentless attacks. He needs to work on his concentration and awareness to avoid costly mistakes that could jeopardize the team's chances.
Defense (Center-Back: Diego Peralta): 6.5/10 – Peralta was slightly better than Cardoza, showing more composure and making some crucial clearances. However, he still had his share of struggles, particularly against Millonarios' quicksilver attackers. His tackling was generally solid, but he needs to improve his communication with his defensive partners to create a more cohesive unit. Peralta's aerial ability was a valuable asset in defending set-pieces and crosses. His reading of the game allowed him to anticipate the opponent's movements and make timely interceptions. Despite his strengths, he needs to enhance his agility and speed to cope with the fast-paced attacks of modern football.
Defense (Right-Back: Jesús Murillo): 5.5/10 – Murillo struggled to contain Millonarios' wingers, who constantly got the better of him. He was also weak in his tackles and offered little going forward. His performance was one of the weaker links in the Once Caldas defense. Murillo's defensive positioning was often questionable, leaving gaps for the opponent to exploit. His lack of pace and agility made it difficult for him to keep up with the speedy wingers of Millonarios. He needs to improve his defensive skills and tactical awareness to become a more reliable defender. His contribution to the attack was minimal, as he rarely ventured forward to support the midfielders.
Midfield (Andrés Felipe Correa): 6/10 – Correa put in a decent shift in midfield, winning some tackles and distributing the ball reasonably well. However, he lacked the creativity to unlock the Millonarios defense and was often overrun by their more dynamic midfielders. Correa's work rate was commendable, as he tirelessly covered ground and tracked back to support the defense. His passing accuracy was decent, but he needs to improve his vision and creativity to become a more effective playmaker. He needs to develop a better understanding with his teammates to create more scoring opportunities.
Midfield (Robert Mejía): 5/10 – Mejía struggled to make an impact on the game. He was often anonymous in midfield and failed to provide the necessary support to the attack. His passing was inaccurate, and he lost possession too easily. Mejía's lack of physical presence was evident as he was often outmuscled by the stronger midfielders of Millonarios. His defensive contribution was minimal, and he failed to provide adequate cover for the defense. He needs to improve his fitness and stamina to compete at the highest level.
Midfield (Marcelino Carreazo): 7/10 – Carreazo was one of the few bright spots in the Once Caldas team. He showed flashes of brilliance with his dribbling and passing, creating a few scoring opportunities. However, he lacked the consistency to maintain his level throughout the game. Carreazo's agility and pace made him a constant threat to the Millonarios defense. His dribbling skills allowed him to beat defenders and create space for his teammates. He needs to work on his decision-making in the final third to become a more clinical finisher.
Forward (Dayro Moreno): 6.5/10 – Moreno worked tirelessly upfront, but he was often isolated and lacked quality service. He had a few half-chances, but he couldn't convert them into goals. His experience and work ethic were evident, but he needs better support from his teammates to be more effective. Moreno's hold-up play was crucial in relieving pressure on the Once Caldas defense. His ability to win aerial duels and hold onto the ball allowed his teammates to advance up the field. He needs to improve his finishing skills to become a more prolific goalscorer.
Forward (David Lemos): 5/10 – Lemos failed to make an impact on the game. He was largely anonymous and offered little threat to the Millonarios defense. His movement was poor, and he struggled to link up with his teammates. Lemos' lack of pace and agility made it difficult for him to trouble the Millonarios defenders. His decision-making in the final third was questionable, and he often made the wrong choices. He needs to improve his overall game to become a valuable asset to the Once Caldas team.

Millonarios FC Player Ratings

Now, let's dissect the Millonarios FC performance. They looked much more cohesive and dangerous, controlling the tempo and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Here's a breakdown of their individual player ratings:

Goalkeeper (Álvaro Montero): 7/10 – Montero had a relatively quiet night, as Once Caldas didn't pose much of a threat. However, he was alert when called upon, making a couple of comfortable saves. His distribution was also excellent, launching quick counter-attacks. Montero's commanding presence in the box instilled confidence in his defense. His ability to read the game and anticipate danger allowed him to make timely interceptions. He needs to maintain his concentration levels even when the team is dominating possession.
Defense (Left-Back: Danovis Banguero): 7.5/10 – Banguero had a solid game, contributing both defensively and offensively. He made some important tackles and interceptions, and his overlapping runs created problems for the Once Caldas defense. His crossing was also accurate, providing quality service to the attackers. Banguero's energy and work rate were evident as he tirelessly patrolled the left flank. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses made him a valuable asset in attack. He needs to improve his defensive positioning to avoid getting caught out of position.
Defense (Center-Back: Andrés Llinás): 8/10 – Llinás was a rock at the heart of the Millonarios defense. He won almost every aerial duel, made several crucial clearances, and was composed on the ball. His leadership and organizational skills were also evident. Llinás' physical presence and aerial ability made him a dominant force in defense. His ability to read the game and anticipate danger allowed him to make timely interceptions. He needs to maintain his consistency and avoid complacency.
Defense (Center-Back: Juan Pablo Vargas): 7/10 – Vargas complemented Llinás well, forming a solid partnership at the back. He was strong in the tackle, good in the air, and comfortable on the ball. His performance was a key factor in Millonarios' clean sheet. Vargas' tackling and defensive positioning were crucial in thwarting the Once Caldas attacks. His ability to distribute the ball from the back allowed Millonarios to build attacks from the defense. He needs to improve his communication with his defensive partners to create a more cohesive unit.
Defense (Right-Back: Elvis Perlaza): 6.5/10 – Perlaza had a decent game, but he wasn't as influential as Banguero on the left flank. He was solid defensively, but his attacking contributions were limited. Perlaza's defensive work rate was commendable, as he diligently tracked back to support the defense. His tackling and interceptions were crucial in preventing the Once Caldas wingers from creating chances. He needs to improve his crossing accuracy and attacking instincts to become a more complete full-back.
Midfield (Daniel Giraldo): 7.5/10 – Giraldo controlled the midfield with his passing range and tackling ability. He dictated the tempo of the game and provided a solid platform for the Millonarios attack. His energy and work rate were also impressive. Giraldo's vision and passing accuracy allowed him to dictate the tempo of the game. His tackling and interceptions were crucial in breaking up the Once Caldas attacks. He needs to improve his goal-scoring ability to become a more complete midfielder.
Midfield (David Mackalister Silva): 8.5/10 – Silva was the star of the show for Millonarios. He orchestrated the attack with his creativity, vision, and passing range. He also scored a stunning goal and was a constant threat to the Once Caldas defense. Silva's dribbling and passing skills made him a nightmare for the Once Caldas defenders. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates was crucial in Millonarios' victory. He needs to maintain his fitness levels to continue performing at his best.
Midfield (Beckham David Castro Espinosa): 7/10 – Castro put in a hardworking performance in midfield, supporting both the attack and defense. He won some tackles, distributed the ball well, and created a few scoring chances. Castro's energy and work rate were commendable, as he tirelessly covered ground and tracked back to support the defense. His passing accuracy was decent, but he needs to improve his vision and creativity to become a more effective playmaker. He needs to develop a better understanding with his teammates to create more scoring opportunities.
Forward (Jader Valencia): 7/10 – Valencia was a lively presence upfront, causing problems for the Once Caldas defense with his pace and movement. He scored a goal and created a few other scoring opportunities. Valencia's pace and agility made him a constant threat to the Once Caldas defense. His dribbling skills allowed him to beat defenders and create space for his teammates. He needs to work on his finishing skills to become a more clinical finisher.
Forward (Leonardo Castro): 6.5/10 – Castro worked hard upfront, but he didn't have many clear-cut chances. He held the ball up well and linked up effectively with his teammates. Castro's hold-up play was crucial in relieving pressure on the Millonarios defense. His ability to win aerial duels and hold onto the ball allowed his teammates to advance up the field. He needs to improve his movement and positioning to create more scoring opportunities.

Key Takeaways

Millonarios' Midfield Dominance: The Millonarios FC midfield, particularly David Mackalister Silva, completely outplayed their Once Caldas counterparts. Their control of the game's tempo and creation of scoring chances were pivotal.
Defensive Solidity of Millonarios: Andrés Llinás and the entire Millonarios defense showcased impressive solidity, securing a clean sheet and effectively neutralizing the Once Caldas attack.
Once Caldas' Struggles: Once Caldas faced difficulties in both attack and defense. Their inability to create clear-cut chances and their defensive vulnerabilities were glaring issues.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Millonarios FC delivered a dominant performance, demonstrating their superior quality and tactical prowess. Once Caldas will need to address their weaknesses and improve significantly if they hope to compete with the top teams in the league. The individual player ratings reflect the overall team performances, with Millonarios players generally earning higher marks for their contributions to the victory. Guys, keep an eye on Millonarios; they're looking like serious contenders this season!