Hercules Faces Sunday Without Roger Riera, Yet Keeps Fighting Spirit Alive
Hercules anticipates a Sunday match without Roger Riera, yet the team refuses to surrender without a fight. An appeal to challenge the second yellow card in Lleida has little chance of success, and the squad officialdom remains doubtful about its outcome. The central figure on the field must push both defense and offense to their limits, burning all bridges to secure a result.
The video evidence submitted uses an inaccurate, wide-angle shot aimed at broadcast clarity but fails to deliver the sharpness needed for review. The lone judge reviewed the game where Zaragoza’s Ramírez Marco signaled a foul in the central Catalan zone to impede Alpha Bagayoko’s progress. The appeal hinges on whether the referee’s error is obvious, a condition not clearly met in this instance.
7 POINTS
Thanks to Riera’s goals, Hercules climbed the standings. The center-back has emerged as the second top scorer for the Blue-Whites with five goals. Two attacking specialists, Álvarito and Míchel, have one more goal than him with six each.
Roger Riera stands as Hercules’ second top scorer, complementing the solid central defense that anchors the Blue and White lineup. Five targets, with only one missing from Michel and Álvarito, delivered seven points for the Alicante squad. His goals contributed to a win for Badalona against Futur and a win against Lleida as well. One of the pivotal moments came in a 2-1 draw with Deportivo Aragón, and a 1-1 stalemate against Ibiza. Murúa’s own goal during injury time was answered by a brave last effort from Nico Espinosa, marking a significant contribution to the season.
Diego Jiménez Returns to Training, But Not Yet Ready to Start Behind Mario Gómez
The enduring, consistent presence since matchday two, when he debuted in blue and white and found the net in his first appearance after just three training sessions, has kept the team afloat. A move to Alicante and a late-season release after an unlucky finish with Andorra left him with a fresh challenge on Sundays. Injury concerns surrounded Marcelo Djalo on opening day in Majorca, but his return is seen as a potential boost for the squad and the club’s plans.
Riera has been out for several league games due to suspensions. The absence has left Hercules facing a sizable gap in both defense and leadership on the pitch. The emotional impact of his absence weighs heavily, as the Barcelonan serves as a driving force for a squad known for its resilience and grit.
Dani Marín Set to Shine in a Back-to-Right Role in His Seventh League Campaign
Lolo Escobar believes Dani Marín should take the field as a key option, especially while Diego Jiménez recoups from limited training and a cautious approach to a reserved return. The team weighs the risk of forcing a counterattack while considering the pace of the game and the physical toll on players after a demanding run of fixtures. The options for setting the pace and tempo remain varied, with Rico Pérez hosting a crucial test following a decisive loss earlier in the season.
The calendar for Hercules shows a busy run of fixtures, including the slate heading toward the final stretch of the campaign. The team has tested seven different lineups since September, seeking the balance that yields results on matchdays, particularly on the eve of decisive fixtures where stability and improvisation must coexist.
On matchday 25, the only instance they paired Mario with Dani Marín ended in a clear victory for Peña Deportiva against the blues and whites, 2-0, underscoring the ongoing challenge of assembling a consistent and effective attacking unit.
The other match where Riera missed action featured Diego Jiménez alongside a former Unionistas center-back. In that clash the rival Rico Pérez dominated, and Teruel offered Hercules little room to maneuver, securing a firm result much like Santa Eulalia’s squad. Barring a miracle, a tight game looms, and Riera’s absence is a factor that could shape the outcome.