Once Caldas vs Fortaleza: Summary, H2H Stats, Lineups & Highlights

As Once Caldas prepare to host Fortaleza JS on February 21, 2026, with kick-off at 20:00, this COLOMBIA: Primera Division, Apertura fixture promises high stakes in a tightly contested title race.

Once Caldas, currently 8th in the standings with 10 points from 7 games, are within reach of the top with 5 points behind. They've earned 5 points from 3 home games this season. Their recent form has been weak, with 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss in their last five matches. They've shown defensive issues, conceding 6 goals. At the same time, they've displayed a positive attacking record, scoring 6 goals.

Fortaleza JS, sitting 10th with 10 points, enter as underdogs but face a tough test on the road, where they've earned 2 points from 3 games this season. Their recent form has been weak, with 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss in their last five matches. They've shown defensive issues, conceding 7 goals. At the same time, they've displayed limited attacking output with 5 goals scored.

Recent meetings between Once Caldas and Fortaleza JS have been competitive, with Fortaleza JS claiming victory in their most recent clash (1-2). Neither team has managed to gain a clear advantage in recent encounters.

In their previous league match against Deportes Tolima, Once Caldas recorded a 1-2 defeat while lining up in a 3-4-3 formation. Their starting XI featured Parra, Tamayo, Cuesta, Cardona, Cuesta, Barrios, Sanchez, Rojas, Zuleta, Zapata, Moreno. The attacking setup pushed full-backs high, creating overloads in wide areas and stretching the opposition defense.

Fortaleza JS's last outing came against Boyaco Chico, where they secured a 2-1 victory using a 4-2-3-1 system. Their starting XI featured Silva, Cuero, Balanta, Diaz, Cajares, Pico, Balanta, Rivas, Navarro, Amaya, Arroyo. The formation provided flexibility in midfield, allowing for effective rotation and positional play.

Looking ahead, Once Caldas are expected to maintain their unknown structure, Once Caldas and Fortaleza JS are expected to use their standard structures. The contest is set to revolve around midfield control, pressing efficiency, and how effectively each side manages transitions between defense and attack.

Goal trends from the last ten games across all competitions suggest few goals: Once Caldas's fixtures have averaged 2.1 goals per game, with 3 going over 2.5 and both teams scoring in 89% of those matches, alongside 1 clean sheets. Fortaleza JS's games average 1.9 goals, with 2 going over 2.5 and both teams scoring in 63% of those matches, alongside 3 clean sheets. With both sides capable in attack, expect a low-scoring affair.

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