Dayro Moreno nets first goal for Once Caldas, shattering long‑standing career drought

Return to the ranks of scorers

After a six‑year spell without finding the net for Once Caldas, veteran striker Dayro Moreno finally broke his personal duck in the club’s 2‑1 victory over league leaders Atlético Nacional on Saturday. The goal, a composed finish from inside the penalty area in the 68th minute, not only secured the win but also marked a historic moment for the 34‑year‑old forward.

The strike ends a prolonged drought that began in March 2021, during which Moreno appeared in 42 league matches without a single goal. His last goal for the Manizales side had come against Deportes Tolima, a strike that had been overshadowed by injuries and inconsistent form. The Colombian international spoke of relief after the match, stating that the silence in the stadium had been particularly difficult to endure, and that the celebration was for his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans who never lost faith.

Record broken and milestone reached

Moreno’s goal also shattered an unconventional personal record: he had previously never scored in a rematch after a previous encounter in the same season. The incident harkened back to a 2019 clash with Nacional, where he had missed a crucial penalty, a moment that had haunted him ever since. This time, he not only converted a penalty in the same match but also added a clinical finish that ensured the win in the return leg.

Club president Juan Carlos Mejía described the moment as “a turning point for the squad.” He added that Moreno’s ability to deliver under pressure has become a catalyst for the team’s resurgence in the league table, lifting them from mid‑table to contention for a Copa Libertadores spot.

Match details and strategic impact

The game itself was a tactical battle orchestrated by Once Caldas manager Eduardo Lara, who deployed a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation designed to exploit Nacional’s high line. The opening goal came from a swift counter‑attack, with Moreno providing the assist after a defensive error. Nacional equalized shortly after through a penalty, but Lara’s decision to substitute the midfield anchor for an extra attacker in the 75th minute paid dividends. Moreno, already on the field, was positioned deeper to receive the ball, allowing him the space to break the deadlock.

Statisticians note that this victory not only narrows the gap to the league leaders by three points but also improves Once Caldas’ goal‑difference, a crucial factor in the league’s narrow and competitive nature.

Outlook for the remainder of the season

With the goal‑scoring resume reset, Moreno’s inclusion in the starting XI is expected to boost the team’s attacking potency. Analysts predict that if the forward maintains this form, Once Caldas could mount a serious challenge for the league’s top four, potentially securing a berth in next year’s Copa Libertadores. Moreover, the psychological boost for the squad cannot be understated; the belief that a veteran can deliver at pivotal moments often reverberates through the rest of the season.

The upcoming fixture list includes a home clash against **Deportivo Cali** and an away game with **Millonarios**, both fixtures that could determine whether Once Caldas can sustain the momentum generated by Moreno’s historic strike.