Hercules finds itself at a pivotal moment in the season, caught between a crisis and a late winter market shakeup that unsettled the blue-white dressing room. Neither the decision to bring in a new option nor the lingering injuries have settled the mood. The upcoming Sunday clash against Sant Andreu at the Rico Pérez adds pressure, and getting players back to full fitness has become essential. The absence of two key midfielders complicates Rubén Torrecilla’s plans, with the midfield pairing of manga and Miguel Marí currently in the balance. citation: club communications.
Moreover, the road ahead is far from simple as commitments accumulate. Candelas, Juanmi, Josema, Ryan Nolan, Mangada, and Ketu are each one yellow card away from suspension, meaning a single foul risk could sideline one of them for next week’s match against Andratx. citation: team briefings.
Hercules stands at a delicate juncture. After defeating Lleida to claim winter leadership, the team slipped from first to fourth over the last three days, sinking with three unexpected defeats. The situation is tight but appears solvable, especially given the solid first-half performance that set the early pace. The squad must translate solid form into steady results in the coming fixtures to restore confidence and reclaim a stable position in the standings. citation: season analysis.
With the defense potentially stretched by a high number of substitutes in upcoming matches, Torrecilla needs to craft alternatives that reinforce the backline. The plan is to maintain solidity at the back while preserving attacking initiative, ensuring the squad remains competitive in a demanding schedule. citation: tactical briefing.
Hércules takes a risk with left-back Alberto Retuerta
Pedro Rojas
After a rest day, the team resumed training on Wednesday at the Rico Pérez and will continue preparations on Thursday at the blue-white stadium ahead of Sunday’s match with Sant Andreu. The Catalan side arrives boosted by two new arrivals, Marcos Gorriti and Óscar Romero, who are set to feature in Alicante. The visitors have suffered back-to-back defeats, which compounds the pressure on their promotion bid and raises the stakes for a potential shift in the race for the playoffs. citation: match previews.
Hércules enters the weekend fully focused on the task. A loss would intensify the looming crisis, risking the loss of first place and widening the gap in the promotion chase. The outcome of this game could determine whether the team keeps a realistic shot at the playoffs or slips further behind in the table. The atmosphere around Rico Pérez is expected to be vibrant, with a strong home support anticipated for a match that could define the club’s trajectory in the short term. Torrecilla’s squad cannot afford another setback, and home results remain a crucial pillar of their strategy. The return of Marcos Mendes after suspension adds a much-needed goal threat at a critical phase of the campaign, strengthening the squad’s ability to convert chances at a moment when every point matters for Europa League qualification considerations, Lleida, and Badalona Futur. citation: coaching notes.