Racing Santander secured a significant 3-2 victory over Elche at El Sardinero on August 31, 2024. A first-half hat-trick from Zabiri proved decisive for the Cantabrian side, as originally reported by Marca - Primera.
The team managed by Sebastián Beccacece, who currently sit 8th in La Liga with 4 points from three games, displayed sharp attacking efficiency early on. Zabiri's three goals came before the break, exposing the defensive frailties of an Elche side that reacted too late. The visitors scored in the second half through Sangaré and Fer Niño, but it wasn't enough to complete a comeback.
How did the match unfold?
The first half was an offensive masterclass from Racing Santander. Elche goalkeeper Dituro made an error that led to Zabiri's opening goal. Elche's defense, described as non-functional and very vulnerable in the report, couldn't handle the home side's pressure. Zabiri completed his hat-trick before halftime, leaving a scoreline that reflected local dominance.
Elche manager Anselmi made changes at the break, bringing on Tete Morente and Eze Ponce. The visitors improved and managed to reduce the deficit with goals from Sangaré and Fer Niño. However, Racing Santander knew how to manage their lead and close out the game, securing three crucial points. This win is part of an inconsistent run of form (WLD) that the team is looking to stabilize.
What does this result reveal about Elche?
The defeat in Santander was Elche's first away loss of that season and their second defeat overall. Goalkeeper Dituro's error and the defensive issues accelerated the club's need to strengthen in the transfer market, which closed the following day, September 1. Sporting director Schinocca stated that they were looking for another goalkeeper following the departure of Iñaki Peña.
The deficiencies identified by the technical staff were clear: a goalkeeper, full-backs, and a creative midfielder. The urgency to sign new players became evident after this match, although the market has now closed. The team must now work with the current squad to solve its problems from within.
What is Racing Santander's current situation?
Following this 2024 victory, Racing Santander finds itself in a mid-table position in the current 2026 season. With 4 points, a record of one win, one draw, and one loss, and 5 goals scored and 5 conceded, the team is looking to consolidate. They are 3 points behind leaders Alavés in a very tight league.
The next fixture is a trip to Vallecas to face Rayo Vallecano, who occupy 13th place. You can check the full schedule on our fixtures page. For the match, the team will be without the confirmed absence of Andrés Martín, whose status is detailed in the injuries section.
What does this victory mean in the long term?
The three points earned against Elche in 2024 were valuable for morale and the league table that campaign. In the current context, Racing Santander needs to find consistency to aim for higher positions. The squad, which you can review on our squad page, has the quality to compete but must improve its away performances.
The immediate objective is to get a result at the difficult ground of Rayo Vallecano. A victory there would allow the team to close in on European spots and gain confidence. The season is long and every point counts, especially in a league where the gap to the top is just three points. The key will be maintaining the defensive solidity and the finishing prowess once shown by Zabiri.
