Atlético Nacional and Once Caldas to Play Charity Match for Colombia Earthquake Relief

Colombian soccer decided to put on its charity jersey. Atlético Nacional and Once Caldas will play a friendly match with a goal that goes far beyond the final score: raising funds for families affected by the earthquake that shook the country last week.

It all began on Monday, August 10, when a 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, leaving entire cities with serious damage. As is often the case in these situations, soccer did not stand on the sidelines. Several players moved quickly, spoke out on social media and began organizing aid for those affected. Now, just a week after the tragedy, two of the country's biggest clubs have decided to join forces and set a date for a match with a cause.

The match will be played on Wednesday, August 19 at Estadio Atanasio Girardot, Nacional's home ground, with kickoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Colombia time. The idea is simple and direct: every ticket sold becomes a concrete contribution for those who lost everything.

All ticket sales go toward rebuilding

The green and white club confirmed the details in an official statement, making clear the purpose behind the event.

"The event's purpose will be to contribute to helping families affected by the recent seismic event. The funds raised from ticket sales will go toward supporting affected families and contributing to their rebuilding process."Atlético Nacional

For those who want to support the cause from the stands, prices were organized by section: Sur, Norte and Gramilla at $15,000; Oriental Baja at $23,000; Oriental Alta at $25,000; Occidental Baja at $40,000; Occidental Alta at $45,000; and Platea at $60,000. There's no ticket too cheap not to count: every purchase directly supports the cause.

But the help doesn't stop at money. Nacional also set up a collection point for in-kind donations, which will be channeled through the ABACO Food Bank. In other words, those who can't make it to the stadium can still contribute groceries, water or other essential items for the affected areas.

Could you ask for anything more from a Paisa derby that, for once, puts the result in the background? Nacional and Once Caldas have already faced off countless times for points and titles. This time, the real scoreboard will be measured in tons of aid and in families who can rebuild their homes.