After their victory over Prat, Ángel Rodriguez opted for two changes in the starting lineup. Sergio Marcos came in for César Moreno, and Villacañas replaced Cedrés. The move rewarded Marcos for his second goal and reconnected Marcos and Michel in the middle of the park as they sought more control of the match. Raúl Ruiz was left out of the squad, and Marcos Bravo took his place, though last-minute stomach trouble forced a third change. Facing a talented reserve squad that had already earned promotion play-off experience the previous year, the contest took on a different vibe, a gray afternoon intensified by rain compared to the previous meeting.
The match began at a brisk pace, powered by the sharp interplay of the Bravo and Alvarito group. The hosts pushed forward with clear intent and earned recognition for their early goal-flurry. Jack Harper rose highest to head home, recording his first goal of the season and giving the home side the early advantage. The rhythm was quick, the movement vertical, and there was easy access to dangerous zones for both teams. The game featured alternating momentum across different sectors of the field, and Eimil’s vision produced another big opportunity for Harper, with a defender narrowly denying him a second strike. The overall tempo kept both sides pressing forward, creating a lively and attacking atmosphere with a local advantage that fed on the crowd’s optimism.
The second half unfolded with the same energy. Espanyol B continued to press forward, while the local supporters watched as their region’s side tried to widen the gap. The match maintained its attractive tempo, with both teams showing quality and commitment. This time, the visitors found the equalizer, as Dacosta guided a header into the net to level the score. A fresh two-team contest emerged, with neither side surrendering their attacking instincts. The reserve team’s quality was evident in the details, and Hercules attempted to respond to the setback with renewed intensity.
Alvarito restored the lead with a remarkable mid-range volley that beat the visiting goalkeeper. It was a moment born from persistence and individual skill, a reminder that the game rarely rests on one moment alone. The hosts then had to defend their advantage against an opponent who refused to concede. Carlos Abad endured some tense moments as he worked to secure his first win over Rico Pérez, standing tall when it mattered most. Ángel Rodríguez’s Hercules FC continued to show consistent progress, building on the foundation laid earlier in the season and looking to translate effort into positive results on the road to the next milestone.