The leadership battle in Barcelona unfolds with the top team defending its privileged standing. This marks the first time in this season that a decisive stance has been taken. After a seven-day push, the squad aims to clear rivals from the top spot. Keeping ahead in the third group will require relentless consistency and sharp execution. Alicante’s supporters are reminded of the gritty, direct style and unwavering focus that defined a classic performance in Barcelona’s Sant Andreu district, where a similar challenge tested Carlos Abad as Narcís Salas faced pressure.
Nou Sardenia maintains its signature atmosphere, a sense of belonging to a club steeped in traditional football culture. The home side entered the Second RFEF with a perfect start, winning every match on their turf in their inaugural year. After two fixtures and four points earned, Europa returns to action eager to sustain its local dominance and aim for a historic rival to reclaim the advantage.
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The focus is on the upcoming clash with Europa and the obstacles it may present. Leadership, at the moment, is more about the ongoing journey than a final prize. The plan is to keep building, maintain momentum, and add regularity to the performances. The head coach emphasizes that first place would not remove the team’s hunger or alter its mindset.
“There hasn’t been any slackening in effort; training remains superb. Being in front does not negate the work ethic, and the season is far from over.”
The Hercules boss adds that the squad is in excellent training form. He believes the team’s mentality will not waver simply because they achieved a top position. If there were any signs of reduced intensity, a wake-up call would be issued, but so far there is no cause for concern.
Crossing into the next phase
With the stadium undergoing renovations, the blue and whites will navigate five different surfaces—Rico Pérez, Antonio Valls, Samaranch, Fontnivel, and Sardenya—yet this variation does not trouble Torrecilla. The plan remains to adapt without excuses. The coach notes that the training pitch or the match surface is the best in the world, anticipating a noon kickoff in Barcelona this Sunday and a tough test ahead.
They face a formidable home team in a challenging environment. The emphasis is on aggressiveness in attack, with the belief that these matches are within reach. The approach mirrors the only defeat Hercules has suffered, underscoring the need to stay mentally prepared and adaptable to the different surroundings.
“Defensive rotation hasn’t been perfect, but the area conceded four goals was not a norm, and the successful setups deserve continuity… for now.”
The expectation is for a venue similar in size to Sant Andreu, with heightened intensity from the crowd. A lack of concentration could reintroduce the problems faced in prior encounters, particularly against Narcís Salas. The Extremaduran coach will rely on a prominent forward as the main reference at the top. Mendes is discussed as the pivotal figure whose latest medical review confirms fitness for a return to action a month later.
Mendes is ready to reemerge, while Alvarito remains uncertain.
Marcos Mendes is expected to be included in the squad for the trip to Barcelona. The Bisauguinean forward finished the week on a high note, and the medical clearance confirms a sealed hamstring issue has been resolved, positioning him to reclaim a starting role as the primary goal threat. The remaining doubt centers on Alvarito.
Nico Espinosa has already been cleared and will join the squad after recovering from a nine-month layoff. Torrecilla notes that GPS data corroborate his readiness to compete on any surface. The decision to avoid defensive rotation continues to be justified by a string of four clean sheets, with everyone expected to get a chance as the season unfolds.
Finally, the Hercules coach highlighted that the cup clash against Burgos was not the preferred option, as the intended opponent is Elche, given the historic rivalry. The focus remains on Europe first, then the league, without dwelling on the cup, and the commitment to the plan stands clear as a guiding principle for the squad.