James Rodríguez scored his first goal for Atlético Nacional, rescuing a 1-1 draw at Once Caldas in Manizales in the first leg of the Copa Colombia semifinal. Nacional had been trailing until the closing stages, and the result keeps alive their hopes of winning the cup for a fourth consecutive year after their titles in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
A late leveller in Manizales
Once Caldas took the lead through Felipe Gómez, whose goal was originally ruled out for offside after a video review before he headed in seven minutes later. Nacional, coached by Lucas González, pushed back in the final stages despite the pressure from the hosts and the dismissal of Elías Cabrera.
The equaliser came when Rodríguez received a long pass from William Tesillo, controlled it with his chest inside the area and volleyed it with his left foot. It was his first goal since returning to Colombian football, and it ended a long wait for the midfielder, who had gone 11 matches without scoring for Nacional, including nine league games and the cup derby against Medellín.
Ending a long drought
The goal also broke a run dating back to 18 November 2025, when Rodríguez scored a penalty in Colombia’s 3-0 win over Australia in New York. Before that, his last goal from open play had come for the national team against Bolivia on 4 September 2025.
Red cards change the game
The second half was defined by the dismissals. Felipe Gómez received his second yellow card in the 75th minute, leaving Once Caldas with ten men. The advantage lasted only about five minutes, as a video review led the referee to upgrade a booking for Cabrera to a red card, leaving Nacional a player short as well.
Before the equaliser, Rodríguez had set up Alfredo Morelos, whose powerful shot was blocked by goalkeeper Joan Parra. Once Caldas also had chances to extend their lead, including a late effort from Dayro Moreno that Franco Armani kept out.
What comes next
The tie remains open and will be decided in Medellín. Nacional have lost only one semifinal in this competition, and they will look to turn a difficult night in Manizales into a place in the final.
Source: www.infobae.com
