Hercules launched a renewed push in the second leg of their campaign against a Mallorca B side, a team rebuilt for promotion with a fresh project under new planning. Only eleven players—Raul Ruiz, Cesar Moreno, and Nico Espinosa—carried over from the previous year, while Ángel Rodríguez stepped in as the new sports manager and head coach. The formation shifted to a three-midfield setup, signaling a plan designed to reshape the team’s identity. These changes injected uncertainty into the squad, and the match served as the first real test of the revamped project.
The opening minutes saw Mallorca B pressing aggressively across the pitch, pressing Hércules whenever the ball was in the visitors’ half. The Blue and Whites hunted for a formula to pierce the opposition, yet the midfield battles produced little in terms of decisive opportunities. In conditions that favored the locals, a youthful, quick, and confident Mallorca side showed its strengths. The biggest blow came with Marcelo’s injury, suffered in the central area where the team relies on cohesion. Youth prospect Dani Marín stepped in to partner with Dylan in a two-pronged forward-pressing and distribution approach.
Intense chase for the decisive goal
Pedro Rojas held the central presence for Hércules, while the first half gave way to a shift in momentum. Late in the period, two clear chances unfolded for the visitors: Ander Vitoria created a sharp opening and César Moreno struck a shot that kissed the crossbar. From a defensive lull to growing intent, Hércules began to show more organized pressure and sharpened intent in attack, gradually turning the tide in their favor. In the second half, the balance tilted further as Ángel Rodríguez brought in Michel Herrero and Alvarito, signaling an intent to rely on fresh energy and different angles up front and in support play.
The contest remained evenly balanced, yet the advantage appeared to lie with the Alicante side. As the tempo rose, Maxi found space and fired a shot that clipped Jaime’s foot. Moments later, Jack, just introduced, found a low cross into the heart of the box where Eimil narrowly failed to connect. The pressing and movement around the penalty area increased the pressure on the visiting defense, producing a stream of opportunities for Ángel Rodríguez’s squad. The substitute Quintanilla, who had been involved, was sent off, intensifying the sense of control and narrowing the gaps for Hércules. The home side kept applying the pressure as Carlos Abad watched the action unfold, ensuring his defense remained organized and ready for any rebound or loose ball. The final result left Hércules believing they carried the best chances, even as the scoring tape remained blank in the opening phase of the league campaign.