18 names appear on the list this time, and there is no reason to discard anyone. Sergi Molina searches and finds Michel Herrero. The rest follow the usual path on a carefully prepared expedition. Three key attacking players from the team, Nico Espinosa, Agustín Coscia, and Marcos Mendes, are prepared to join the squad the day after the Ibiza match, but for now they stay at home.
Rubén Torrecilla faces a leadership challenge within group 3. To secure it, his team must beat Penya Independent while Lleida hosts Peña Deportiva, the other Pitiuso squad in the competition. Both matches kick off at noon, the same moment on the calendar.
Lleida signs Peña Deportiva as the Alicante clash looms, with Míchel Herrero unavailable
The Alicante coach senses the small, artificial surface at Sant Miquel de Balansat, which has a noticeably bouncy and tight field, will influence play. Its limited width nudges the blue-white side to press high and attack in the opponent’s half more often, keeping possession secondary to field dominance. In this setup, the ball’s whereabouts become a focal point for both teams.
Tower cautions on the size of Penya’s pitch
Pedro Rojas
The Extremadura manager aims to avoid a repeat of the earlier pattern where control tilted too heavily toward one side. When a player drives forward with relentless intent, the center-backs are forced to stretch to cover too much ground, leaving space behind the defense that opponents exploit.
The tactical approach now being refined at Antonio Valls Sports City centers on adapting to the constraints of a smaller Ibiza field this Sunday. The Cáceres coach has limited the training zones to mirror what will be faced in the town by the sea.
A rare opportunity for the Alicante squad continues to shine as the league campaign starts strongly. Penya has yet to win this season, neither in the League nor in the Federation Cup, where they were knocked out in the first round. The only two points earned so far came on the road, with draws in Paterna and Andratx. Home losses to Sant Andreu (0-1) and Cerdanyola (1-3) add to the tally.
3 GOALS
Balearic Islands teams found the net within the opening five days
► Iván Ruiz’s group is the second least fruitful in the 3rd tier, behind La Nucía, which still has two matches in hand.
0 EARNINGS
This season, Penya has not managed a league victory in five attempts and fell to San Juan in the Federation Cup first round.
Composed largely of players under 30, La Penya is growing as a squad while aiming to stay afloat. The objective remains to preserve their status, showing patience. Iván Ruiz remains on the bench, while 13 of 15 possible points have yet to materialize this season.
Significant loss for the home squad
The island’s coach cannot rely on one of his most influential men. Roll Prieto was sent off seven days ago during a visit to Europe. La Penya, who had five players in front of the goalkeeper during a defensive move, is expected to offer a tight contest similar to the one experienced in Formentera in the second round.
This time, Mendes will not be on the field to pressure the goalkeeper when the ball is released. The plan is to press collectively while avoiding a mid-game split in the defense, a mistake seen on the other artificial turf fields this season. Sunday marks the third game in a row for the squad. Nine more remain in the campaign.
The only question for Guest 11 is whether Cesar Moreno can displace Carlos in the lineup, and whether Alvarito will continue as a substitute or shift into a different role, possibly with Jean Paul stepping in. Diego Lorenzo could play a third consecutive match as the sole reference above.