In a remarkable turnaround, Roger Riera has gone from a spot on the unemployment list to becoming a trusted central defender for Hercules. The Catalan defender, aged twenty seven, has stood out since joining the squad, forming a solid pairing with Dylan and helping Hercules concede only two goals across four league fixtures. His rapid ascent is the kind of trajectory that makes scouts sit up and take note, a sign that a player trained in top academies can still catch fire and seize opportunity. Riera is a product of the Barça academy and has gained experience with partner clubs, including Celta de Vigo and Villarreal, while also working with Andorra last season to help secure promotion to the Second Division as league champions. At present, the team finds itself in the third round of the Second RFEF and looks to push forward rapidly, treating every match as a chance to strengthen their standing. For Hercules, Riera represents the idea of a player who brings belief and a sense of invincibility to the group.
What is clear from Riera as the season progresses is that the focus is not on potential standings but on readiness for the next game. He spoke candidly at a Thursday press conference about his team not letting classification concerns distract them on the eve of travel to Teruel. The Blue and White side would prefer to keep their eyes on performance and shape rather than chasing league tables, especially with leadership in the group as a potentially persuasive but distant objective.
“It is early to look at the classification”, Riera explained through the press team. “We have to concentrate on doing things well as a unit, continue to improve, and grow together.” He emphasized that Hercules plays an attractive, attacking brand of football intended to captivate the supporters and press forward in every match. The overarching aim is to build daily progress, with staff understanding deepening as players grow more cohesive. The defender praised the season’s start, recalling Teruel’s early run of form that brought in ten points from twelve possible, a sign that the league can be demanding yet forgiving in the right moments.
“We are not going to speculate; we are going out for three points”, he added after the final training session. The message was clear as Hercules prepared for a critical away game. The support around the team remained strong as fans, and the club’s staff prepared for a confrontation that could shape the early standings in the group. There was talk of potential lineup changes, with the possibility of Raúl Ruiz stepping into the first team, while captain Colic faced a late notice absence that could influence the tactical balance of the squad.
possible eleven
Hercules conducted a closed training session at Fontcalent to ready for the Teruel clash, a game that kicks off at 5 pm and holds significant weight in the Second RFEF. If Hercules secures victory, they would briefly assume leadership of the group, a prospect that would energize the Alicante club and its supporters. The coach, Ángel Rodríguez, is expected to deploy the same starting eleven that produced a strong result against Espanyol B in the preceding match, with only minor adjustments possible due to Raúl Ruiz’s potential inclusion. A recent setback saw Colic miss out on a key moment when he was about to enter the fray, an incident that adds extra motivation for the blue and white squad.
In parallel, the club began selling tickets for the Teruel game. Prices were set at twelve euros for subscribers and five euros for children, with additional sales periods announced for the Friday window. The anticipation among Hércules fans is palpable as they anticipate a telling performance in the Pinilla stadium, rallying behind a squad that has shown promise from the first whistle of the season.
Hercules signed defender Roger Riera to a contract running through June of the following year, a move designed to stabilize the defense during a crucial phase of the campaign. The team trained at Rico Pérez to finalize preparations for the fifth league match, with a record of eight points from twelve so far that signals optimism and forward momentum.
The Blue and Whites face a Teruel side eager to prove themselves, boasting former Hércules player Emaná and a roster that started the season strongly. Ángel Rodríguez’s crew will not underestimate an opponent who began the season with twelve points from a possible dozen in a match that carried high expectations in Teruel. The winner of this clash would claim top spot in the ranking for a period and set the tone for the weeks ahead.
With Riera keeping a steadying presence at the heart of Hercules’ defense and the team maintaining a clear, attacking style, the club aims to build continuity and momentum. The collective effort and experience within the squad have inspired confidence that the season can unfold with steady growth and consistent results. The journey from a difficult start to a moment of assured form illustrates how the club and its players are navigating a demanding campaign with resolve and ambition. This is a story of a defense that has found cohesion and a team that is learning to translate potential into meaningful performance. A rising arc that fans hope will continue well beyond the immediate horizon, a testament to the resilience and character of the Hercules squad. Citations to club communications and match previews corroborate the ongoing assessment and the strategic emphasis on collective development and unity in the dressing room.