Hércules earned the Ciutat d’Alcoi Trophy after a penalty shootout victory over Alcoyano, as blue and white goalkeeper Charles the High Priest starred by stopping two penalties and sealing the win for his team. The match showcased the K-Heracles squad’s positive mood in the second half against a team from a higher level. The Hércules camp conceded their first pre-season goals during the break, and the coach faced dismissal following a protest.
Hércules opened with the same starting XI as always, without any players from the reserve squad, and for the first time lined up the central pairing expected to begin the season: Marcelo Djalá and Dylan Leiva. Ángel Rodríguez kept a three-man midfield in the middle of the park, with Toscano, Sergio Marcos and Maxi. Cedrés, Villacañas and Harper started higher up the field. With important players like Moyita and Pedro Sánchez on the bench, the plan looked ahead to Friday’s FA Cup tie against Orihuela and a test against Alcoyano in the meantime.
The first half remained tight, with the action leaning toward the visitors’ goal in El Collao. The opening chance arrived around the 20th minute after a sustained spell of play. Villacanas and Harper combined, but Stopajnik produced a solid save. Near the end of the first 45 minutes, Toscano delivered a cross that Dylan headed home, but the Alcoyano goalkeeper was quick to react. A pivotal moment followed when Jack Harper took on the goalkeeper alone, was brought down, and pointed to the penalty spot. The Hercules striker, who had shown good form in the first half, started the scoring by wearing their red and white kit yesterday and driving the team forward.
Hércules launches a 100 Euro family subscription at the Northern Fund
Cesar Hernandez
After the break, Alcoyano appeared stronger as Hércules’ lineup depth was tested by substitutions. Carlos Abad produced a brilliant save in the 83rd minute to deny the equalizer, and Vicente Parras’ men ultimately forced penalties with a superb goal from Revert during extra time. Ángel Rodríguez was sent off for disputing the added period with the referee. The Ciutat d’Alcoi Cup was decided by a shootout in which Carlos Abad, Hércules’ goalkeeper, saved two attempts by Alcoyano. For Hércules, Raúl Ruiz, Ander Vitoria and Jean Paul found the net. The blue and white side carried the impression of a team that started the match with purpose and spirit. Even with changes, the unit retained its identity and grit. Raúl Ruiz lifted the trophy aloft.
Alcoyano faces a crucial league test against Orihuela this Saturday, aligning with the FA Cup schedule. A win would keep them in contention for the King’s Cup, insisting on momentum for the competition path ahead.
Tough test against Alcoyano
Cesar Hernandez
Lineups: Alcoyano — Stopajnik, Primi, Álvaro V., Lillo, Fran Miranda, Juanan, Varela, Antón, Alcaina, Agüero and Raúl; Raúl, Soler, P. Carbonell, Imanol, Rubio, Revert and Jorge also played. Hércules — Abad, Eimil, Marcelo Djalá, Dylan, Felipe, Toscano, Sergio Marcos, Maxi, Cedrés, Villacañas and Harper. Others like Dani, Nico Ortiz, Manu Navarro, Jean Paul, Ander, Raúl Ruiz and Coque also had minutes.
Score: 0-1 at 41 minutes by Harper. 1-1 at 90 minutes to force extra time.
Stadium: El Collao
mourning for José Luis Pérez-Payá
On a separate note, José Luis Pérez-Payá, one of the famed “Crystal Forward” members of Atletico de Madrid alongside Larbi Ben Barek, Henry Carlsson and Adrián Escudero, and a former Real Madrid player, passed away this Friday. He also served as president of the RFEF from 1970 to 1975 and was a member of Real Madrid veterans’ board. He is remembered for the League trophy win with his coach Helenio Herrera in the 1950/51 season at Atletico de Madrid, where he displayed his prime football between 1950 and 1953.
Red and white Pérez-Payá scored 30 goals in 65 games. His performances drew attention from Real Madrid, where he finished his career over the following seasons, under Alfredo Di Stéfano’s leadership. He began his professional career with Universidad de Deusto in 1946, then joined Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid, later playing for Baracaldo (1948-1949), Alcoyano (1949-1950), Real Sociedad (1950), and finally at Atletico and Real Madrid.
Alcoy City Council marked the passing of a former Alcoyano player with respect.