The 2025/26 season has been a calvary for Hércules CF, and matches like this Sunday's are decisive for calming spirits and improving statistics. A victory could serve as an alibi for those defending their management, regardless of how it is achieved. However, a draw or a defeat would make the need for a deep review of the team's situation more evident, as they face another season outside professional football.
After defeating CD Teruel last week in a lackluster match, the team led by 'Beto' Company will seek a win that allows them to continue calculating their chances for the play-offs. This calculator has become their only ally in attempting a surprise entry into the promotion spots at the last minute.
Insist on the process.
With the results of matchday 35 already played in group 2, when the ball starts rolling in Vila-real, Hércules will be eight points behind the fifth-placed team, which is precisely their opponent this Sunday, Villarreal CF B. This reserve team has secured play-off spots after CE Europa's victory in Alcorcón on Friday.
The classification gap between the 'groguets' and the 'blanquiazules' is explained by the consistent poor results of Hércules, who have only managed to secure a third of the points available in the last month of competition. In contrast, the squad led by David Albelda managed to transition from doubt to conviction. Villarreal CF's reserve team had a difficult start, but they are now in strong form for the final stretch of the regular season in Primera Federación, with six consecutive matchdays in play-off positions and almost two months without losing, demonstrating a positive consistency that Hércules has failed to achieve.
The 'blanquiazul' coach insists that no one in his locker room is giving up and clings to direct confrontations as a lifeline. However, reality is stubborn: Hércules has not won away from the Rico Pérez since December and has not been able to string together two consecutive victories under 'Beto' Company.
The Alicante team continues to suffer from injury absences, with players such as center-back Alejandro Sotillos, full-back Javi Jiménez, midfielder Roger Colomina, attacking midfielder Oriol Soldevila, and forward Alberto Toril not returning to play this season. For its part, Villarreal B has also suffered absences due to suspension and injury, although they recover center-back Ismael Sierra. The match will be officiated by Valencian referee Sergio Escriche and can be followed on LaLiga+, Football Club, and À Punt.
