Racing Santander stumble in pre-season opener against Osasuna with goals from Raúl and Iker Muñoz
Racing Santander kicked off their pre-season with a 0-2 loss to Osasuna in a friendly played in Mendigorría. Goals from Raúl (minute 55) and Iker Muñoz (87) sealed the win for the Navarrese side, who dominated from the start. The match was marred by the injury suffered by Víctor Rosier, who had to leave the pitch in the second half.
The Cantabrian side, which finished last season as Segunda División champions with 82 points and a +29 goal difference, started strongly but failed to convert early chances. Raúl Moro was the standout performer on the left flank, though neither Moncayola nor Bonel managed to capitalize on the first openings. Osasuna, led by new manager Luis Miguel Ramis in his debut, responded with intensity and took the lead in the 55th minute after a cross from Kike Barja was slotted in by Raúl.
What happened in the match?
The game, played at El Pontarrón in Mendigorría, began with Osasuna pressing high and winning the ball back quickly. Aitor Fernández had little to do in the early stages as Racing struggled to create clear chances until the middle of the first half. Sergio Canales, who returned to the Cantabrian side after a stint at Osasuna, was one of the most influential players in building play.
In the second half, Osasuna manager Luis Miguel Ramis made wholesale changes: Herrera, Rosier, Catena, Santos, Arguibide, Iker Muñoz, Osambela, Auría, Kike Barja, Anai and Raúl all came on. Racing, fresh from a 4-1 win over Cádiz on May 31, 2026, showed composure in possession, but Osasuna regained control in the final stages and sealed the win with their second goal in the 87th minute.
Injuries and changes: a setback for Racing Santander
The injury to Víctor Rosier overshadowed the match for the Cantabrian side. The French defender, who had come on as a substitute, was replaced by Bruno Pérez after picking up a knock. Racing also debuted Luis Miguel Ramis as their new head coach, who aimed to project a competitive image despite the loss.
The team, which finished the 2025-26 season as Segunda División champions with 82 points and 25 wins, now turns its attention to pre-season with the goal of strengthening the squad and arriving in top condition for the new campaign. Their last official result was a 4-1 victory over Cádiz, a match in which they showed attacking solidity with 90 goals scored and a +29 goal difference.
What’s next for Racing Santander?
Following this friendly, Racing continues its pre-season preparations ahead of the new Segunda División campaign. The side, which starts the season as league leaders with a five-point cushion over Deportivo La Coruña, will look to consolidate its play and avoid injuries as it gears up for the competition. The next focus will be on adding minutes and fine-tuning tactics before the official season opener.
Racing Santander’s pre-season continues, and this stumble against Osasuna will serve as a learning experience for the upcoming friendlies. The Cantabrian side, which closed last season on a two-game winning streak (WWDDW), will aim to regain rhythm and arrive in peak condition for the start of the league.
