Official fixtures for the Hércules vs Burgos Copa del Rey showdown
Hércules enters the next league test on artificial turf, after a string of away matches that included travel pollution concerns and new ground surfaces. So far, the balance leans favorable: two wins in Formentera and Sant Miquel de Balansat, and one defeat at Sant Andreu in Narcís Sala. This early phase establishes momentum as the team builds consistency on the road.
Official schedule details for the Hércules–Burgos Copa del Rey clash
Pedro Rojas
The team returns to Barcelona this Sunday at noon, this time facing a familiar rival in the Gràcia district. The club there is among the founding members of the First Division and has a long history of the game on clay and esparto pitches. With only Agustín Coscia sidelined at Torrecilla’s facility, the squad gathers for a decisive duel with Club Esportiu Europa. Fitness and tactical preferences will heavily influence the coach’s selection choice ahead of the crucial match.
Extremaduran players traveled with limited defensive options on the bench. Ryan Nolan was joined by Jean Paul D’joli and Michel Herrero, both making appearances previously, and Nico Espinosa joined the squad for the first time on this trip. Marcos Mendes brings a notable potential upgrade, marking a real shift in the squad’s dynamics.
Hércules visits Nou Sardenya knowing what lies ahead; the atmosphere and setting mirror what happened on matchday four, when the team suffered its sole defeat of the season (3-1). This experience, the coaching staff believes, has forged a sharper focus. The team found itself briefly behind the scoreboard that morning, losing its identity for a moment before regrouping.
Is conquest of Europa within reach?
Beating Europa on their own turf remains an aspirational target. Three home victories have already been secured—against Formentera, Sant Andreu, and Penya Independent—each result featuring at least two goals scored. The home side has not produced a dominant favorite for promotion, with Hércules sitting at the top of the table, yet the path remains challenging.
With two consecutive exits looming, the Alicante side, set to play in Paterna on Saturday, must deliver a standout performance. How steady can the leadership remain under pressure?
The blue-and-white coach could opt for a defensive structure similar to the one that worked in Ibiza two weeks earlier, deploying five players behind, though some names remain in flux. Cesar Moreno is not listed as a starter, but Sergi Molina’s availability remains a factor in the tactical equation, as the coach weighs how to balance the squad’s defensive solidity with attacking intent.
Diego Lorenzo and Galvañ call on fresh options, with one defender on the bench and minutes sought for Nico
That makes it likely that Torrecilla will deploy a formation mirroring Hércules’ preferred setup; Mendes stands as the lone reference at the top, with Nava in behind and Ketu and Alvarito on the wings until Nico is fully fit. Caesar and Colonnades anchor the midfield, supported by Samu Vazquez, Juanmi, José Ma, and Alfonso Candelas. Carlos Abad remains a central figure in the lineup that Torrecilla selects for every match.
Hércules tests their defensive boundaries
Ramon Gatell’s suspension is lifted, and Marc Vales returns to play. The squad faces several international injury concerns with players like Andorra’s Joel Ruiz and Vilamitjana among those nursing issues, and there remains skepticism about Ivan Bravo’s status. Pastelsand is described as uncomfortable since the week’s start. The coach anticipates a tough encounter in the Gràcia neighborhood, a venue that will demand resilience and grit from Hércules.
In summary, the club is navigating a demanding period with a focus on building cohesion, testing new combinations, and maintaining the sharp, disciplined defense required to compete at the highest level in their current league format. The upcoming match promises to be a significant test of tactical depth and character for Hércules.
— Attribution: match reports and club briefings as recorded for matchday updates and tactical notes.