Hércules: Calatayud; David
Cortés, Abraham Paz, Pamarot, Peña; Fritzler, Abel Aguilar (Kiko
Femenia 57'); Tiago Gomes (Cristian 85'), Tote, Sendoa (Thomert 67'); Portillo.
4-2-3-1.
Athletic: Iraizoz; Iraola, San José,
Amorebieta, Aurtenetxe; Susaeta (Iturraspe 85'), Gurpegui, Javi
Martínez, Gabilondo (Muniain 54'); Toquero (David López 42'),
Llorente. 4-4-2.
Goals:
0-1. 47. Llorente. Glancing header on past Calatayud
from Gabilondo free kick.
Yellow cards: Pamarot 09', Fritzler 18', 89', Gurpegui 24', Susaeta 43', Aurtenetxe 74', Javi Martínez 76', Abraham Paz 92' / red cards: Fritzler 89'.
A disappointing return by Hércules to the top flight after 13 years away, the Alicante based side losing 0-1 to Athletic Bilbao in the opening game of the season. The Basque side had the better of the opening minutes, with Susaeta shooting wide and Gabilondo bringing a good save out of Calatayud. Iraizoz did well to save from Portillo just before half time, but just a minute or so after the restart Fernando Llorente got ahead of the defence to head a long Gabilondo free kick past the keeper. Portillo, Tiago Gomes and Fritzler all had chances to equalise, but when Fritzler was sent off for a second bookable offence with a couple of minutes to go it was all over.