Hércules CF’s Historic Camp nou Triumph Remains a career Highlight for sporting Director
Barcelona, Spain - Paco Peña, current sporting director of Hércules CF, vividly recalls the club’s stunning 2-0 victory over FC Barcelona at camp Nou, a result he describes as a dream realized. The improbable win, achieved during Hércules’ season in the Segunda División, stands as a monumental moment in the club’s history and a personal career peak for Peña.
The match, played in the wake of Argentina’s disappointing performance in the World Cup and amidst Lionel Messi‘s pursuit of another Ballon d’Or, presented a unique challenge. Hércules, fresh off promotion, faced a Barcelona squad brimming wiht global superstars and individual accolades. The victory wasn’t merely an upset; it was a testament to strategic planning, collective defensive effort, and clinical finishing, offering a rare glimpse of triumph for a smaller club against a European giant.
Peña, tasked with helping to contain a determined messi, emphasizes the collective effort required to stifle the Argentine genius. “It gives me goosebumps to remember the team they had,” he stated. “We were able to control messi thanks to everyone’s defensive support.” He credits the team’s success to their efficiency in converting scoring opportunities and the tactical approach implemented by then-manager Esteban.
A key element of Hércules’ strategy involved forcing Barcelona to play through the wings, effectively shutting down central passing lanes. “We closed the center and forced them to cross,” Peña explained. “And there we were strong in defense.” The team’s attacking prowess, spearheaded by Valdez on that particular day, further compounded Barcelona’s difficulties.
Peña felt the match was firmly under control after the second goal, scored by a Paraguayan player in the 58th minute, extending their lead to 2-0. He reflects on the victory as one of the greatest joys of his sporting career, particularly given the caliber of the opposition. “They were all World Champions,and those who weren’t had the Ballon d’Or,” he said. “Winning there like that was something we had all dreamed of.”
Now focused on guiding Hércules back to prominence, Peña hopes to replicate the spirit of that historic Camp Nou victory as the club strives for future success.