Historic Clash: Deportivo Cali Hosts América in Intense Showdown

Cali, Colombia — Deportivo Cali will face off against América de Cali in the 307th edition of their storied rivalry on March 24, 2025, at 6:10 p.m. in Palmaseca Stadium. This matchup is crucial as both teams aim to secure their positions in the top eight of the Colombian league.

Deportivo Cali comes into the match with an unbeaten streak in their last five games, recording two victories and three draws. Head coach Alfredo Arias expressed pride in his team’s performance despite challenging circumstances. “I’m proud of the players, especially considering the situation we’ve been through. The team consistently competes on any field, aiming to attack and fight for points,” Arias remarked after their recent goalless draw against Medellín.

However, América de Cali will be missing key players due to international commitments. Luis Ramos, who recently starred in a match against Alianza FC with a goal and an assist, has been called up for the Colombian national team. Additionally, another important forward will be unavailable as he represents Peru in qualifying matches.

Jorge Rodrigo Da Silva, the assistant coach for América, acknowledged the team’s recent attacking success after their resounding 3-0 victory over Alianza FC. “We’ve seen good performances but struggled with consistency. Last match was a solid display from our players, and we aim to build on that,” Da Silva said. As he prepares for his first clásico from the sidelines, he noted the pressure: “There’s anxiety, but we need to handle it. The message is clear; we must win this classic—no other result is acceptable.”

In the league standings, Deportivo Cali is currently eighth with 14 points after nine matches, whereas América de Cali sits in third place with 17 points, just three behind Atlético Nacional. The previous encounter between these teams ended in a 1-0 victory for Deportivo Cali on November 3, 2024.

In preparation for this eagerly anticipated match, local officials, including Mayor Alejandro Éder and representatives from various city departments, held a meeting with both teams to promote the ‘Fútbol en Paz’ campaign. This initiative aims to ensure that the celebration of football occurs without violence, fostering an atmosphere of respect and joy during the matches.

“We’ve reaffirmed Cali’s commitment to a football environment that unites rather than divides,” Mayor Éder stated. He emphasized the need to create a safe atmosphere in stadiums for families, saying, “We want Pascual Guerrero to be the safest stadium in Colombia, setting an example for the entire country.”

Last week, the Pascual Guerrero Stadium faced sanctions of five matches without spectators due to incidents during the Copa BetPlay 2024 final. Players have expressed a shared belief that football should celebrate community. Juan Camilo Angulo of Deportivo Cali remarked, “Football is a celebration. On the pitch, we are rivals, but outside, we are friends.” Fans are encouraged to attend the match and demonstrate that soccer in Cali can be enjoyed respectfully and joyfully.