Racing de Santander vs Espanyol: Sardinero clash with relegation stakes

Racing de Santander host Espanyol at El Sardinero on Saturday, 24 October, in matchday 10 of LaLiga 2026/27, with both sides under pressure near the relegation zone. The match kicks off at 16:15 Spanish peninsular time and can be watched live on DAZN.

A fragile start for Racing

Racing come into the fixture with seven points from nine matches, sitting 16th in the table. They have lost their last three league games and have conceded 26 goals in ten matches, an average of 2.6 per game, according to HSB Noticias. Their goal difference of minus ten reflects the defensive problems that have shaped their season.

Despite that record, Racing have won two and drawn one of their three home matches this season. Their head coach, Iñigo Vélez de Mendizábal, is in his first season in LaLiga, and Yassir Zabiri is the club's top scorer. Statistical models cited by HSB Noticias give Racing a 29% chance of victory, compared with 49% for Espanyol.

Espanyol under pressure at the Sardinero

Espanyol arrive with the team one point above the relegation places and four games without a win, according to La Vanguardia. Coach Manolo González has faced growing questions from supporters about his recent changes to the system, and about a run of late defensive errors that have cost points.

González rejected the idea that the trip to Santander is decisive. "I don't feel that I am risking everything in Santander. I don't have that perception, neither from the dressing room nor from the club," he said before the match. He added that while every game matters, this one is not a final, and that he wants to play well.

The Espanyol attack has also cooled. Roberto Fernández scored six goals in the early matches but has not found the net in the last three matchdays. Espanyol have also lost points late in games, conceding in the closing minutes against Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid and Málaga, according to the same report.

Tactical questions for both sides

Espanyol's use of three centre-backs against Atlético de Madrid kept the visitors compact, but it produced little attacking threat, and Baena's late goal gave the Madrid side the win. Whether González keeps that shape at the Sardinero is one of the open questions before kick-off.

Racing's defence is the central concern. La Vanguardia reports that they have conceded more goals than any other team this season, with 25 in nine matches. Racing have also conceded seven against Barcelona and five against Celta Vigo in recent outings.

What comes next

A win would move either side away from the drop zone, while a defeat would deepen the pressure on both benches. Espanyol face three consecutive away matches after Santander, starting with a Copa fixture at Sestao River and a league trip to Villarreal. Racing's own schedule will be tested in the same stretch, and the result on Saturday could shape the mood around both clubs for weeks.

Kick-off is at 16:15 Spanish peninsular time on Saturday. Official team news had not been released at the time of writing.

Image idea: Wide shot of El Sardinero stands with a Racing and Espanyol matchday backdrop, or a close-up of Manolo González on the touchline.

Tags: Racing de Santander, Espanyol, LaLiga, El Sardinero, Manolo González