Hercules closed the preseason by welcoming the home crowd with a decisive 3-0 victory over UCAM Murcia, sealing a strong note to end the summer tour. The Alicante club is set to feature again in the City trophy, an event returning to the calendar four years after its last edition in 2019 when Hercules faced the same rival. This match served as a confidence booster and a showcase of the squad’s readiness for the new campaign.
Did Hercules prepare adequately?
Observing the friendly’s tempo and control, the approach looked solid from the first whistle. Early in the 10th minute, Ketu found the back of the net, giving the blue-and-white team a lead that immediately relaxed the pressure on the squad. The goal injected momentum and set the tone for a game that would push the defense and midfield to sustain intensity throughout the first half and beyond. The finish came after a sequence that combined quick movement, measured crosses, and a composed finish that left the goalkeeper with little chance.
Ketu’s strike did more than just open the scoring; it energized the stands and urged UCAM Murcia to respond with more menace. The visitors tried to push higher up the field, but the club captain and his defense stood firm. On several occasions, Víctor Mena and Fran Lara tested the defense with sporadic forays, yet the Canarian goalkeeper remained well-positioned, organizing his back line and keeping the clean sheet intact for the moment.
As the minutes ticked on, Ketu remained a constant nuisance in the attack, interchanging with teammates and creating opportunities. Shortly after the interval, the winger had a chance to extend the lead, but Miguel Serna blocked the effort, keeping the scoreline at 1-0 and maintaining a sense of strategic tension. Hercules continued pressing forward, and a volley from Samu Vázquez nearly doubled the advantage, striking the post and reinforcing the idea that more goals would follow if the team maintained its pace. In response, Murcia addressed the pressure with a sharp counterattack that culminated in a shot off the post, signaling that the match still had a few twists left in its narrative.
The ball work around the box paid dividends when a defensive miscue led to a second goal. Rico Pérez reacted quickly, pouncing on a loose ball that had nested near the goal line after a deflection, and he finished clinically to stretch the lead. The moment reflected the team’s readiness to capitalize on half-chances and turning them into tangible results, a sign the squad aimed to carry into the competitive fixtures ahead.
The final phase of the game saw Hercules consolidate their lead and press with a sense of purpose. The late moments were built around disciplined pressing, patient buildup, and smart use of space, which allowed the team to control the pace and ensure the victory remained within reach until the final whistle. The win offered a strong demonstration of the squad’s ability to execute a game plan and create meaningful scoring opportunities even in a friendly environment.
The ghost of the drought in Hercules
The triumph over UCAM Murcia provided Hércules with a timely boost as the team navigates a period of transition and preparation under a new coaching context. The campaign has seen a blend of results across the preseason, including four victories (Alcoyano, Santa Pola, Cartagena B and UCAM), two draws (Atletico Baleares and Athletic Torrellano), and two losses (Eagles and AFE selection). Despite the mixed results, the overall momentum has tilted toward optimism as the first league match in the RFEF Segunda Division approaches. The season opener is scheduled for next Sunday at home against Espanyol B, with a 20:00 kickoff that will bring a focused test of the squad’s consistency and ambition.
5,000 subscribers
Hércules marked another milestone as the City of Alicante cup progresses, adding a ninth triumph in the competition and inching closer to Real Madrid’s record of ten wins in this summer tournament. UCAM Murcia, meanwhile, will look to bounce back in the next edition, aiming to reverse the recent trend and reassert their competitiveness. The preseason campaign closed with a sense of achievement for the Hercules club as fans celebrated the return of a familiar summer ritual and prepared for the officially tense start of the season.
In the final preseason outing, Hercules supporters gathered at the Rico Pérez stadium to share the sense of renewal after a summer of ups and downs. The Alicante organization announced the milestone of surpassing five thousand subscribers, underscoring the strong local resonance and the club’s growing fan base. All indications point toward a spirited and competitive campaign ahead, with the official season opener against Espanyol B forming the immediate test of ambitions and readiness.