Corporación Deportiva Once Caldas, a Colombian club from Manizales, made history by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2004. Founded in 1961, the white club plays their matches at the Estadio Palogrande in the coffee region. Los Albos (The Whites) or El Blanco Blanco represent the pride of a mountainous Colombian region often overlooked in national football.
Once Caldas has won 1 Copa Libertadores (2004, historic achievement), 2 Colombian championships and several national cups. This unexpected continental victory remains one of Colombian football's greatest exploits. The Manizales club distinguishes itself through rigorous organization, collective play and ability to compete with Bogotá and Medellín giants despite limited resources.
Los Albos maintain regional rivalries with clubs from the coffee zone. Once Caldas represents the pride of Manizales and the coffee-producing region. The club works to maintain its first division status and dreams of reliving the 2004 magic in Copa Libertadores.
FAQ
Once Caldas plays their matches at the Estadio Palogrande, with a capacity of 36,553 seats in Manizales. This stadium, located at 2,153 meters altitude, offers an advantage for the locals. The venue was the theater of the 2004 Copa Libertadores celebration and remains a symbol of regional pride.
Founded on April 16, 1961, Once Caldas progressed to become a respectable Colombian football club. The historic 2004 feat, winning the Copa Libertadores against Boca Juniors, forever marked the club's and Colombian football's history. This unexpected triumph placed Manizales on the South American football map.
In 2004, Once Caldas created a sensation by winning the Copa Libertadores, notably beating River Plate and São Paulo before defeating Boca Juniors in the final on penalties (2-0, 0-1, 4-2 pens). This historic victory, achieved with a modest budget and solid defensive tactics, remains one of Colombian football history's greatest exploits.
Once Caldas counts 1 Copa Libertadores (2004), 2 Colombian championships (2003, 2010), 1 Colombian Cup and 1 Superliga. The 2004 Copa Libertadores remains the absolute pinnacle of the club's history and one of Colombian football's greatest feats. This victory transformed Once Caldas into a national legend.
Luis Amaranto Perea, Jhon Viáfara, Juan Carlos Henao, Jairo Castillo and coach Luis Fernando Montoya are the 2004 Copa Libertadores heroes. These players, little known before the exploit, became national legends. Their victory proved that organization and solidarity could defeat Argentine giants.
'El Blanco Blanco' (The White White) refers to the club's all-white kit, inspired by Real Madrid. They're also called 'Los Albos' (The Whites) or simply 'Once Caldas'. The name 'Once' refers to the 11 players of a team, and 'Caldas' to the Colombian department.
Once Caldas maintains rivalries with other coffee zone clubs (coffee region), notably Deportes Quindío and Deportes Tolima. While less publicized than Bogotá or Medellín clasicos, these regional confrontations captivate the coffee zone. The club proudly represents Manizales against other Colombian cities.
The 2,153 meters altitude of Manizales constitutes an advantage for Once Caldas. Coastal teams particularly suffer from this altitude. Although less elevated than Quito or Bogotá, this altitude combined with the cool Andean climate creates difficult conditions for visitors at Palogrande.
The Estadio Palogrande offers a passionate atmosphere, particularly since the 2004 exploit. Once Caldas supporters, extremely loyal, create a warm ambiance despite a large capacity rarely filled. Great Copa Libertadores evenings and regional derbies generate exceptional fervor in this Andean venue.
Once Caldas aims to maintain first division status in Colombian football and qualify for South American competitions. The club aspires to win a new national title and relive the 2004 magic in Copa Libertadores. Los Albos work to maintain their competitiveness despite limited resources and honor their glorious past.
