Hercules Faces Another Defeat Away from Home, Making Promotion a Miracle (2-1)

Hercules has practically bid farewell this Saturday to its chances of playing in the promotion playoffs. Too many defeats to dream of something significant this season. As many as 13 in 33 matches. Another away from home, a poor display in the second half against an opponent that seemed ripe for a decisive victory.

Hercules lost 2-1 at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol despite taking the lead in the 20th minute with a goal from Agustín Coscia, who, with his usual determination, capitalized on the rebound from a missed penalty by Nico Espinosa.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly. Hercules had taken control against Betis Deportivo. The Alicante team knew they had to win to put pressure on Mérida. Ball possession and a clear penalty forced by Samu Vázquez.

But everything started to go wrong shortly after. A lateral free kick in favor of the green-and-white team and the usual lack of defensive strength from Hercules' defenders. A combination that ended in a 1-1 draw scored by Carlos Reina.

Betis could have scored a second shortly after following a serious error by Josema in ball distribution. The ball reached Souleymane, who shot across goal, and the ball grazed Carlos Abad's post.

Hercules also had a very clear chance to take the lead before halftime. But it wasn't Nico Espinosa's day. His shot, deflected by a defender, was saved with a prodigious hand by Betis' Portuguese goalkeeper Guilherme.

And in the second half, everything fell apart. Although Hercules warned with a shot from Coscia, which Guilherme again saved, Hercules began to suffer, and Abad had to multiply his efforts.

The Alicante team lost possession, and Betis began to truly dominate.

It was another loss in ball distribution that led to the final 2-1. Samu Vázquez's error in a rushed goal kick by Carlos Abad, and Betis did not forgive. Patience, dribbles, and a final goal by Marcos Fernández.

Hercules did not react. They were down and never seemed likely to equalize. The substitutions did not breathe new life into the team, neither Alvarito, Mangada, nor Romera, who had not trained all week and came on in the final minutes.

Only a miracle can allow Hercules to compete in the promotion playoffs, starting this Sunday with Mérida's defeat in Fuenlabrada. It was nice while it lasted.