Once Caldas achieved a vital victory in Bolivia: they thrashed San Antonio in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoff.

Once Caldas accomplished the task they set out to do: win 0-3 away in Bolivia in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoff against San Antonio de Bulo Bulo. They will try to close out the series in Manizales next Wednesday.

The big news for El Blanco was the unexpected substitution of striker Dayro Moreno . The striker was sorely missed, having come on in the second half with the game already won. He came on fresh and in his element, scoring a goal. "It was a technical decision, he decided to come off like that, I respect that. The team is united. We got a very important result," Dayro said of his substitution.

The key factor in the match was that San Antonio was reduced to 10 players due to the expulsion of Erwin Sánchez in the 43rd minute. From there, the Colombian team grew, and it was a matter of patience before the goals started to come.

The first goal was scored by Jefry Zapata , who captured a rebound from the goalkeeper and scored the 0-1 in 5 minutes of the second half.

Dayro came on in the second half and posed a problem for the Bolivian defense. The striker received a cross and headed in the second goal in the 85th minute.

There was more to come, because San Antonio was already committed and Once had renewed energy. In the 88th minute, Luis Gómez appeared with a powerful shot and made it 0-3. A resounding victory that puts the team in the hunt for qualification.