Another match leaves a clean slate. It looks like a pre-season lid will be tested in official competition starting in September. On Atlético Baleares’ pitch, a RFEF Primera team, Hercules again showed solidity and intensity at the back. The missing piece remains the goal, a challenge that is hardly trivial.
Defense is Hercules’ strongest facet in the pre-season
the match moved into a serious mood after a yellow card from the referee and became a test for Hércules, who kept the 0-0 score until the final whistle, with Carlos Abad making several saves at his goal. The home side didn’t press hard in the final third, and the scoreboard reflected that lack of finishing quality.
Agustín Coscia, a potential scoring solution for Hercules
Hércules started the contest defending well as Atlético Baleares pressed with early chances created by Miguelete. The two shots from the flank troubled Abad, one rising high and the other palmed aside to the corner by the goalkeeper.
Hercules sought counterattacks through quick wide plays, yet crosses failed to find a finishing touch. A dangerous free kick from Michel troubled the Baleares defense, while Jero Lario tested the goalkeeper with a move that did not surprise him.
As minutes passed, the momentum swung in favor of the visitors. The Balearics’ energy faded, and the Alicanteans began to control the rhythm, pressing when they needed to and holding firm when the hosts tried to respond.
Half hour to Coscia
December’s moment let Atlético Baleares breathe for a moment. Abad had to work again early in the second half to prevent Loren’s strike from opening the score. Hercules answered quickly, with Roger firing from distance and forcing Ramón Vila into a demanding save.
Hércules kept pressing as the game moved into the later stages, showing better control and energy than their opponent. Yet the scoreboard stayed level, and the result would be settled in a shootout to determine the winner of the Nicolás Brondo trophy.
In the shootout, both goalkeepers stood tall. Coscia missed his chance, while Carlos Abad saved two penalties. De Palmas, along with the new striker, also failed. In the sudden-death sequence, Ferroni found the net, and Ramón Vila’s save helped the Balearic side lift the trophy.
match report
BALEAR ATHLETIC: Jero Lario; Loren, Toni Ramón, Pastrana, Miguelete, Juanra, Roberto, Jorge Martínez, Villapalos, Ofoli Quaye and Ferroni. Substitutes: Ramón Vila, Armando, David, Javi Moreno and Tropi.
HERCULES: Carlos Abad; Samu Vázquez, César Moreno, Josema, Candelas, Artiles, Roger, Michel, Jorge, Ketu and Mendes. Substitutes: Juanmi, Coscia, Sergi Molina, Nico Ortiz, De Palmas, Guti, De la Nava and Jean Paul.
PENALTY SHOOTOUT: 1-0 David. 1-1 Nov. 1-1 Miguelete (for the High Priest). 1-1 Coscia (for Villa). 1-1 Javi Moreno (for Abad). 1-1 De Palmas (for Vila). 2-1 Arming. 2-2 Jean-Paul. 3-2 Jorge Martinez. 3-3 Sleeves. 4-3 Ferroni. 4-3 Guti (for Villa).
EVENTS: Match part of the LIV edition of the Nicolás Brondo Trophy played at the Balearic Stadium.