This third summer win for Hércules unfolded as a tense saga during the 49th minute. A collision left a player collapsed, clutching his ankle. The pain shot through the stadium as teammates shouted in concern. The scene took place in a context where Cartagena’s affiliate would later host League matches in Group 4 of the Second RFEF.
The Madrid winger lay on the dry grass, unable to rise until two physiotherapists, traveling with the squad, came to his aid. The medical staff moved quickly, and a right foot injury left him immobile, supported by the two helpers. The moment stretched as the medical team held their breath for what felt like an eternity while the player from Hércules was carried from the left flank to the bench.
The technician on the touchline watched closely, shocked by the damage and the fear of a serious setback. He touched the shin with a grimace, noting swelling that appeared rapidly. Although a sprain seemed likely at first glance, the true severity would need careful evaluation. The team faced a potential absence for the league, with a possible return to action in Cartagena in about two and a half weeks.
The friendly duel ended with a heated moment in the final stages, when Jean Paul and the captain were sent off the field.
What began as a routine friendly match unexpectedly shifted in Murcia. Hércules dominated possession and created most of the chances, but the officiating and moments of tension took center stage, revealing the intensity behind a game that bore the name of a friendly more than its nature.
In the second half, it is common for coaches to rotate early. This time the plan included substitutions ten minutes after Álvarito’s injury, who left the pitch in the 51st minute. The absence of one of Hércules’ main attacking reference left a clear mark on the match. A short time later, a late free kick was not whistled, triggering a flare of anger from the blue and white camp and ending the match with a red card for a participant.
The Madrid winger captain’s first injury discovery of the day showed a sprain that required careful assessment.
While all this unfolded, the game structure remained constant. The Cáceres defense was reorganized with Josema and Juanmi at center, Samu Vazquez on the right and Candela on the left; a double pivot with Roger Colomina supported the attack, while Ketu played on the left and Álvarito remained a central focus behind Mendes. The setup aimed at sustaining pressure and creating chances from the wings.
The Alicante side enjoyed a solid possession game, pressing high and moving the ball well, but could not translate that momentum into sustained danger in the Cartagena box. An ambitious shot from the African forward, and a one-on-one miss, defined the first half as the main offensive threat the visitors could muster.
Bulk Changes
Into the second half, after the scare, several changes were made. Sergi Molina, Guti, Míchel, Jean Paul, Cissé, De Palmas, César Moreno, Artiles, and other players entered as substitutes, reshaping the blue and white lineup. The game tightened, but Hércules continued to press. The pattern yielded a corner kick that ended with Hércules sealing a late victory and finishing third across five matches by narrow margins, two of them decided by a single goal.
Young Guti delivers Hércules a second win in Santa Pola (0-1)
Caesar Hernandez
The youngster read the game perfectly long after Míchel’s corner. He found space in the heart of the box and lodged a precise, low finish for the final 0-1. The goal came in a moment of clear intent, though the referee ruled an offside against Jean Paul. In a tense exchange, a clash between players escalated into a push and a red card, the third of the season for that player in first-team duties. Hércules now prepared for a forthcoming match against Atlético Baleares, scheduled to take place in Palma at 20:00 on the stated date.