The experience and killer instinct of Dayro Moreno made the difference in Quito. With two decisive goals, the Colombian striker led Once Caldas to a 0-2 win over Independiente del Valle in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana quarterfinals, giving the Manizales side a crucial advantage ahead of the return match at the Palogrande stadium.

Dayro, the eternal goalscorer

In the same week he celebrated his 40th birthday, Dayro Moreno once again showed why he remains one of the continent’s deadliest forwards. His first strike came in the 23rd minute, capitalizing on an aerial ball from Juan David Cuesta. With a first-time finish, he beat goalkeeper Guido Villar, silencing the home crowd and putting his side 0-1 up.

Things worsened for the Ecuadorian side in the 34th minute, when Mateo Carabajal was sent off for violent conduct against Jaider Riquett. With the man advantage, Hernán Darío Herrera’s side found more space and struck again early in the second half. In the 50th minute, Moreno latched onto a long pass from Mateo García and finished confidently past Villar to make it 0-2, a scoreline that held until the final whistle.

With this performance, the veteran striker reached 10 goals in the competition, cementing himself as the Sudamericana’s top scorer and further solidifying his legend in Colombian football.

Independiente del Valle on the ropes

The team managed by Spaniard Javier Rabanal suffered two costly defensive mistakes, compounded by the red card that crippled their hopes of mounting a comeback. Although they tried to respond in the second half, Once Caldas’ defensive solidity and their goalkeeper’s composure prevented the Ecuadorians from pulling one back.

Now, the Sangolquí side will need a miracle in Manizales, where the return leg will be played on September 24 at the Palogrande Stadium.

Once Caldas dreaming big

The advantage earned in Quito fills the “Blanco Blanco” with hope. Not only did they win away, but they also displayed competitive character in a tough venue. With Dayro Moreno in sublime form and the backing of their fans at home, the Colombian side will look to secure a place in the semifinals and continue writing another historic chapter in the continental tournament.