I found my place in Hercules, I feel good here
Carlos Abad stands out as one of the season’s brightest talents for Hercules. The Canary Islands native and goalkeeper has not shown any desire to renew early, and his form remains at the high level that helped him last season. The club celebrated a draw that kept Hercules atop the standings alongside Lleida, a team that began strong this campaign, with Abad’s late-game heroics in Ibiza earning a crucial point for the blue and white side.
The goalkeeper for the blue and white team plays a pivotal role both on and off the field. He is widely cherished by supporters and began his career in the youth system of CD Tenerife. His talent and commitment earned him a place in Tenerife’s first team, and he made his Second Division debut at nineteen. Yet his true ascent to elite status came with Hercules, a club he has helped through multiple transitions since 2017. Last season he was among the squad’s strongest contributors, conceding 36 goals, and his performances helped shield the team from a much harsher fate.
From the moment he joined Hercules, Abad established himself as a key figure for the club. His anticipatory reads, lightning reflexes, and composure under pressure have made him indispensable. In aerial duels, especially during corners and free kicks, he demonstrates exceptional command, giving the backline a sense of security that is often the difference in tight matches.
What sets Abad apart is a steadfast team-first attitude and leadership under stress. His calm demeanor during critical moments helps stabilize the defense and lift the whole squad. This season’s growth has brought reassurance to the back line and contributed to the team pursuing a sixth win when they face Cerdanyola del Vallés on Saturday at 20:30. After a positive result in Ibiza, Hercules entered the next round with strong confidence. The squad is nearing full strength, with Mendes and Nico Espinosa nearing return to readiness, though it remains uncertain whether they will be in the starting lineup right away.
Carlos Abad’s values continue at Hercules
The Alicante side now faces the division’s leading scorer, who has 11 goals, matching top marks shared by other clubs, while Cerdanyola’s top scorer has 12. Hercules has recently defeated Sant Andreu and Penya Independent, showcasing danger on the move and a notable resilience away from home, even more so than at their home venue. The plan remains clear: maximize each opportunity and keep building the defense around Abad’s reliable presence in goal.
There is potential for Hercules to assume solo leadership after this round, with Lleida facing a challenging test against Badalona on Sunday. Lleida sits just behind Hercules in the standings, only one point back, creating a weekend where Rubén Torrecilla’s squad could widen the gap should they best Cerdanyola del Vallés at the Rico Pérez stadium.