Hércules seeks a crucial win at Peña Deportiva amid a tense push for the playoffs
Hércules arrives off a calendar filled with high-stakes fixtures, including a string of battles on artificial turf. The current form shows the blue and white squad bouncing back when a victory is needed most, a trait that has defined many of their recent campaigns. On Sunday at 12:00, the team faces Peña Deportiva in a match that could shape the final standings. Lleida’s visit to Cerdanyola adds to the pressure, as the Catalan side looks to climb the table with three points in hand. The next few days are decisive; Hércules must seize this moment. The squad has shown resilience and the capacity to rise in big moments, but their opponents strike back fiercely, making this encounter particularly delicate. Peña Deportiva enters the game on a path of recovery after a heavy defeat against Europa, a result that has left them just outside the playoff spots. The home turf is where their form shines, and they will rely on that advantage against a Hércules side that has occasionally struggled to convert chances in recent matches.
Three points are essential in the penultimate round of the year, especially with two forthcoming tests against Badalona and Lleida. The season’s stretch run is pivotal, and even a small lapse could tilt the standings. This is a moment where precision, tempo, and tactical discipline will determine the outcome, as both teams try to maintain momentum heading into the new year.
Torrecilla confirms Samu Vázquez will stay with the team for the entire season
Cesar Hernandez
Rubén Torrecilla has the full squad available aside from Nico Espinosa, who will be unavailable for the rest of the year and is set to rejoin training in January. Juanmi returns after serving a suspension and is expected to partner with Nolan in central defense, though Josema could also feature in the starting XI. The coach has called 18 players to be ready for the match, with Míchel Herrero, Hugo Sanz, Galvañ and Diego Lorenzo omitted for technical reasons.
There is particular attention on Samu Vázquez and Roger Colomina, former Peña Deportiva players, who will be looking to make an impact on home soil. The atmosphere is charged as both sides prepare for battle, with squad harmony and tactical discipline likely to decide the outcome.
The closest Hércules
Cesar Hernandez
A potential lineup for Hércules could feature Carlos Abad in goal; Samu Vázquez, Juanmi, Nolan, and Candelas in defense; Ketu, Mangada, Colomina, Alvarito, De la Nava and Coscia or Marcos Mendes in midfield and attack. Rubén Torrecilla’s squad will again play on artificial turf, a surface that has proven challenging this season. Yet the team has shown resilience on this field, with only a few defeats registered away from home on the same surface.
For Lleida, leading the table, maintaining rhythm is essential. The leaders cannot afford a slip as the pursuit of top position continues. The team trained at CD At facilities recently, and the mood among players was one of high motivation as soon as they landed on the island. The clash promises to be a tactical duel, with each side aiming to control the pace and tempo from the opening whistle.