Racing Santander has returned to Spain's top flight after a 14-year absence. The team will begin the 2026/27 La Liga season this Sunday, August 16, by hosting Villarreal at El Sardinero, as reported by El Periódico Mediterráneo.
Promotion was sealed on May 16 with a 4-1 home victory over Real Valladolid. This achievement ends a turbulent period for the Cantabrian club, which faced severe financial and institutional crises that even saw it drop out of professional football. The sporting recovery has a clear architect: manager José Alberto López.
Who is leading the Racing project?
José Alberto López has been in charge of the first team for three and a half years. The coach has been essential in shaping a competitive side with a clear attacking identity. His work has made Racing a recognizable and ambitious team. The objective is now more concrete: securing top-flight survival. The question is whether that bold style can be maintained with a different primary goal.
The squad for this challenge includes significant reinforcements. The big news of the summer market was the return of Sergio Canales. The attacking midfielder, a product of the club's academy, returns after his latest stint in Mexican football and is expected to be a dressing room leader.
What new signings have arrived?
The sporting management has been active in several areas. In goal, Julen Agirrezabala has arrived from Athletic Club in a deal worth 4.5 million euros. The defense has been bolstered by Brazilian Pedro Felipe, from Juventus. In attack, the club has signed forward Yassir Zabiri on loan from Stade Rennais.
These new players join a core that remains after promotion. Andrés Martín, Íñigo Vicente, Manu Hernando and Álvaro Mantilla continue to be key pieces. Facundo González, Pablo Ramón and Asier Villalibre also stay. The futures of Gustavo Puerta and Jorge Salinas are yet to be decided. You can check the full squad composition on our squad page.
How is the Primera debut being prepared?
The start of the 2026/27 season is imminent. Villarreal will visit El Sardinero this Sunday, a match that will mark Racing's return to the elite in front of their fans. The full season schedule is available in our fixtures section.
The team approaches the league with the hope of a project rebuilt step by step. The fans, who will pack the stadium, are another fundamental pillar in this new chapter. The first test will be tough, but the club has shown great resilience. The squad is already focused on the match this Sunday, August 16.
