Hércules Vs. Racing Santander: Racing Wins 3-2, Hércules Survival Hopes All But Done

After an avalanche of goals to end the first half, things started off a bit calmer in the second as both teams realized that playing some defense might be a good plan. David Trezeguet entered the match for Hércules in the 51st minute, replacing goal scorer Sendoa. Trezeguet is Hércules leading goalscorer on the season with 11.

Things got a bit ugly in the 61st minute after Hércules’ Nelso Haedo Valdez tangled with Domingo and was shown a quick red card by the referee. Valdez was livid, and despite bumping Domingo in the back, the Racing defender sold a phantom elbow. Valdez’s decision to lean right over the fallen player and tell him how he felt about his play probably didn’t help his case. It was tough to tell if the referee awarded the card for the contact or for Valdez’s animated comments to Domingo. Either way, Hércules was left to finish the match with 10 men.

The red card changed the match, as usually happens, and Hércules struggled to get the kind of chances they were seeing in the first half. It wasn’t from a shortage of possession, they still had that, they just couldn’t threaten the Racing goal with same furor.

After such a wide open and entertaining first half, the second half was rather quiet and boring. Racing won’t be complaining however as the victory gives them three huge points and will likely see them to safety in the table. Hércules hopes of remaining in La Liga next season look all but dashed.