César Moreno played for Hércules for the third time
Hércules showed early form with sharp finishes from Alvarito, Ketu, and Candelas, highlighting the squad’s strength, structure, and pace. The blue and white outfit kept the mood high as Rubén Torrecilla guided the team, which stood atop the club’s standings with six wins in seven matches. Excluding Coscia, Mendes, and the recently recovered Nico Espinosa, the core of the squad remained formidable and focused on maintaining momentum.
Alicante residents are watching the team at a pivotal moment, facing a Level test that requires defending the lead. The coach remains confident as Hércules heads into back-to-back trips to Europa and Valencia Mestalla. These fixtures promise to be grueling tests of form. The crowd’s energy has surged after a cup tie that many found routine, replacing that sense of routine with renewed desire and purpose. The prospect of Burgos visiting Rico Pérez is a cause for celebration among blue and white supporters, who expect more cheers and applause as the season advances.
However, ahead of the cup clash, Torrecilla’s squad understands the need for steady improvement across a long season. The team is channeling positive energy into every session, building toward a sustained spell of success.
The Sunday match at 12:00 offers a big decision for Mark Mendes. He is training normally and everything points to a return after a four-game layoff, though the final word will come from ongoing tests and the pre-match ultrasound. Without Mendes, Hércules still carries an attacking threat and the group’s top scorer, with 12 goals in seven games, remains a constant danger. Nico Espinosa is expected to feature more minutes than in the prior weekend, but Torrecilla might manage his time to suit the artificial surface of the pitch.
Coscia is the one pure doubt remaining. The striker has been sidelined by an Achilles issue, and a debut date remains undetermined. The Argentinian signing was a highlight last summer, though injuries curtailed his impact early. Despite these challenges, the blue and white outfit continues to impress, with strong connections between players and fans elevating the mood. When the team sits at the top, confidence peaks and more supporters flock to Rico Pérez. Last Saturday drew about 7,000 spectators, delivering a promising first half where every player contributed to a memorable performance.
Hércules is once again the sole leader in the league after 21 months
The squad stays alert and refuses to underestimate any test. The upcoming trip to the European field will be a stern challenge, with a rival currently in fourth place and four points behind Hércules. They have not tasted defeat on their home ground, so a win would bring them close to the leaders. That makes this match crucial for the blue-and-white side. Training sessions will take place at the Juan Antonio Samaranch facilities in the San Gabriel neighborhood as the squad prepares for Sunday’s clash. The coach has grown fond of the modern turf and has reworked the training plan to fit the conditions on match day.
Presentation of the anthem
The Hércules centennial commission marks a milestone after 101 years of history. This Thursday at 13.00 the centennial anthem and the activity report will be presented in the Rafael Altamira Hall, at the University of Alicante. The commission, chaired by Manuel Palomar, will close the anniversary events amid a high point for the club, with Hércules in first place and a thriving blue-white atmosphere. After training at the Juan Antonio Samaranch facilities, the entire Hércules squad is set to participate in the event, with former players in attendance to celebrate the club’s enduring legacy.