Once Caldas secured their place in the Copa Sudamericana group stage after a 1-0 victory over Millonarios in the single-match first-round clash, with Michael Barrios scoring the decisive goal.

The game, played under heavy rain at the Palogrande Stadium in Manizales, was a hard-fought battle in midfield. The hosts had the first real chance with a shot from Mateo Zuleta, while Millonarios later came close through Nicolás Arévalo.

A controversial moment arrived in the 29th minute when Xander Navarro was fouled in the box by Barrios, leading the referee Andrés Matonte to initially award a penalty. However, after a lengthy VAR review, the decision was overturned, sparking protests from the visitors.

The game remained intense, with both teams creating chances before halftime. Leonardo Castro appeared to have given Millonarios the lead in the 67th minute, but his goal was ruled out for offside.

Finally, Once Caldas broke the deadlock in the 80th minute when Alejandro García delivered a pinpoint cross, allowing Barrios to finish and send the Manizales side through to the next round.