Villarreal B Ends Hércules' Slim Promotion Hopes (2-1)

Hércules bid farewell to their slim hopes of securing a promotion play-off spot to the Segunda División this Sunday in Villarreal.

Another defeat away from the Rico Pérez, marking their eleventh of the season. A heavy burden for an honest and committed squad that has ended the season exhausted; without January signings and with many players in the infirmary.

In Villarreal, the team lost when they were at their best. After a lacklustre first half with the home team emboldened by a stellar Valverde and accepting the 1-0 deficit, the Alicante side grew through patience and ball possession.

This led to a marvellous pass from Artiles for Coscia to head into the net, fuelling the promotion dream for the 150 Hércules fans in the stands. With twenty minutes remaining, Torrecilla's team was hopeful of a comeback.

But strength and bench rotations were lacking. Dani Romera and Aranda were absent and not expected. Rotations that Villarreal B found with the imposing Alassane and Viveros.

Villarreal B's goal three minutes from the end shattered any ambitions beyond survival.

From now on, it's time to start genuinely thinking about the next season and reclaiming the promotion objective. Torrecilla left a very clear statement after the season was practically concluded: "We need to build a team worthy of the badge and our fans."

Earlier, the Extremaduran coach expressed his gratitude to the squad for their efforts this season despite injuries and "the lack of depth." "Their commitment, effort, and sense of belonging are unquestionable," he insisted.