Racing Santander held an internal friendly at El Sardinero to prepare for their La Liga match against Valencia. The team set up a match of two 45-minute halves with a refereeing trio, integrating first-team players, youth academy prospects and members of Rayo Cantabria. The official clash is scheduled for Sunday 11 October at 21:00 at the verdiblanco's home ground, a key fixture for a Racing side sitting 16th with 7 points.

The Cantabrian team is looking to react after a run of two consecutive defeats, including a heavy 5-0 loss to Celta. With a record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 4 losses, the team needs points to move away from the relegation places. Their recent form is a concern, having conceded 21 goals in just 7 matches, an average of 3 goals against per game. Their next opponent, Valencia, is even lower in 19th place, adding further importance to the match.

Valencia also rehearse

In parallel, Valencia under Javier Aguirre, who will make his official debut on the bench in this match, also held a closed-door training session in Paterna. Aguirre organised an eleven versus eleven to replicate real match situations, À Punt Ràdio explained. The Che team's rehearsal was primarily tactical, with the Mexican coach testing a 4-2-3-1 formation. In it, Javi Guerra and Harvey Elliott operated as free creators ahead of a double pivot, with Guido Rodríguez positioned behind Guerra in the bibbed team.

Racing squad status

For Racing, defender Jorge Salinas has already returned to training after his duty with the Spain under-20 team. However, Pablo García and forward M. Zabiri, the team's top scorer this season with 6 goals in 7 appearances, remain with their national teams and are expected back next week. Their return will be vital to bolster an attack that has scored 11 goals but conceded 21. To see the full squad status, visit our squad section.

Valencia plan to train on Saturday, rest on Sunday and resume work on Monday at 18:00. Racing Santander, meanwhile, trust that this specific week's work will allow them to cut the poor run and secure three key points at home against a direct rival in the lower part of the table.

The original report is at onefootball.com