Hercules approaches this Sunday’s 12:00 kickoff with all senses sharpened as Atlético Saguntino hosts the match on a rough artificial surface. The team seeks to reclaim the top spot after back-to-back draws and will enter a test that could shape the race for promotion. This game marks the first of the last five fixtures in the first round, a stretch that will demand peak performances on a field under strain. Rubén Torrecilla’s squad faces a demanding schedule, with upcoming matches against Manresa, Peña Deportiva, Badalona, and Lleida, all against opponents capable of altering the table’s order.
Two consecutive draws have not shaken the team’s confidence. The Alicante club remains co-leader and now faces a difficult away match against a Saguntino side in the relegation zone that recently suffered two defeats in a row. The blue-and-white outfit is just two goals shy of the league lead and has posted five wins and one draw, especially at home in the Rico Pérez Stadium. They also debuted this season with their best-ever home run, recording five wins without conceding a goal and building trust with a growing fan base that has surpassed 8,000 subscribers. This weekend’s game continues a strong start that has the club pursuing leadership with momentum. (Source attribution: team communications)
“With the numbers we have, it’s surprising that Hércules is not leading alone.”
Caesar Hernandez
double points
Hércules sits on 26 points, a figure that doubles last season’s tally when the club found itself in the relegation zone and is seven points above the tally from two seasons ago. That season marked the club’s first points in the Second Federation, a new era at the time. The squad under Torrecilla arrived with a largely refreshed roster after 14 transfers, blending young talents with seasoned players who understand the league. The team hardly needed many friendlies to absorb the coach’s philosophy and to excite supporters with intense, committed football. A strong start—three consecutive victories—allowed the club to move beyond past seasons, even when playing on artificial turf in the Balearic Islands. (Source attribution: club reports)
This run, seen in Barcelona and twice on artificial turf, produced three wins and one loss, helping Hércules settle at the top alongside Lleida. Two draws with Terrassa and Alzira tempered the pace, but the mood remains upbeat as the team continues to score from a top-third position in the table. (Source attribution: match summaries)
Hércules: Half of the campaign is in reserve
Substitution
The supporters’ enthusiasm remains high this season, and the bond with the squad is at its peak. Hércules won’t travel alone to Nou Morvedre in Sagunto, as more than 150 fans will accompany the team this Sunday. After the recent two draws, a vital victory is expected. Local former Hércules players Pedro Torres and Juanma Acevedo are part of the Saguntino squad. (Source attribution: match preview)
Juanmi: “We must take a step forward away from home”
Juanmi, Abad, and Samuel Vázquez have logged every minute of the competition so far. Juanmi, who has scored twice, reflects on the season: “I’m happy with the progress. I came here with a goal, and we’re on the way.” He remains calm about Sunday’s challenge, adding, “We need three points again; draws aren’t a bad way to accumulate, and they’ll matter by the end of the season. We must push forward and be stronger away from home.” The defender applauds the fans and notes the sense of obligation to deliver a high level of performance in every match. “The crowd’s demand is real, and it energizes us to gain an advantage in all games.” Juanmi also believes that many teams will contend for direct promotion as the season unfolds. (Source attribution: player interview)