To approach this match with calm, avoiding last‑minute crashes or unfounded fears, the scene unfolds as Hercules visits a symbolic realm in the league, doing so with measured poise rather than flashy disruption. Nico Espinosa was sidelined from the squad as a precaution after recurring discomfort throughout the week. He did not travel with the team, and his status remains under close watch as the club prioritizes the player’s health.
He did not board the bus. The coach continues to trust the young Dani Marín to solve defensive issues for the Blue-White side, even as the central defender is not in peak condition to compete.
The most notable change is that left back Marcos Bravo, who spent the first two days of the season watching from the stands or at home, has now been included in the 18-man squad. The absence of Felipe Chacartegui due to injury could pave the way for Madrilenian’s debut, following the relocation experiment. Against Futur, Badalona raised questions about the left flank, highlighting the defensive gaps caused by the distance between the left back and Dylan Leiva.
The Blue and Whites visit a ground where they have not won in Second B away games.
The offensive threat from the Galician side remains high, but their defensive line struggles to hold a solid position. This could benefit the former DUX player who does not act as a traditional winger, relying more on entering dangerous spaces from wide positions. The danger zone around the goal is a key focus, especially when containment helps are needed to limit the opponent’s movement.
Left-back Marcos Bravo covers Felipe’s absence and joins the 18-man squad for the first time.
The rest of the defense remains under consideration. Raul Ruiz will partner with Roger Rivera and Dylan in a back trio, given the limited time on the field, and minutes are earned through consistent performances. The lineup choices may shift depending on the coach’s assessment of the less refurbished turf where the match is played, and the squad has adapted since 2013.
The defensive arrangement will see Sagnier weighing balance and stability against the option of a more attack‑minded approach, with Maxi and Cesar replacing one of the defensive links to support the attack, and Sergio Marcos acting as a bridge between lines.
After two draws, Ángel Rodríguez’s Alicante side seeks their first win of the term
The injury to Nico Espinosa opens a potential path to ownership for another forward. The fittest winger of the squad, who started from the bench in the opening days, has begun to influence the game with pace and energy. His speed and willingness to take on defenders bring a combative edge, though the compact surface of a rubberized pitch may limit the full exploitation of those attributes compared with natural grass.
4 TIMES
The two teams have met in Second B on four occasions, with Hércules notching a win in any of those encounters, recording three draws, including two meetings in Saginier del Prat.
1 GOAL
Hercules has become the top scorer for Alicante in El Prat across those meetings.
► Barcelona has never managed more than a single goal in two visits to the municipal stadium.
MORE THAN 80 MINUTES
Hercules has typically needed to rely on a late goal to secure a result at El Prat.
► On a surface that has not had a full renewal since 2013, the Blue and Whites face a challenging away test.
Nevertheless, the fixture reads as a consequential contest for both teams. In past Second B encounters, Hercules has met a difficult opponent four times, with three draws and a Catalan victory marking the head-to-head record. The most recent meeting ended in a 2-2 draw at Rico Pérez in January 2020.
Ángel Rodríguez: “There is no pressure or doubt after the two draws”
In El Prat, the aspiring squad led by the former blue and white striker is building a plan around exploiting the strengths of their home ground. The club focused on rebuilding after a difficult start, and they now prepare for a test against the Hercules side chasing their first win of the era. The coach emphasizes a practical approach, prioritizing organization and pace to create scoring opportunities across the width of the pitch.
The narrative here centers on the need for cohesion and tactical clarity, with the squad aligning the midfield to sustain pressure and the forwards seeking to convert chances as the season progresses. The approach looks to balance patience with decisive breaks, especially in transitional phases that expose the opponent’s vulnerabilities.
The team from Alicante, under the guidance of the coach, is determined to translate hard work into a first victory of the term. Their preparation has included studying the opponents’ tendencies and refining positional roles to maximize defensive solidity while sustaining attacking intent. The focus remains on maintaining discipline on the road and capitalizing on counterattacks when opportunities arise.