3-2 win gives Racing Santander first victory as Zabiri completes hat-trick

Racing Santander beat Elche 3-2 at El Sardinero on Friday, recovering from two recent matches without a win and claiming victory in La Liga’s third regular-season round. Yassir Zabiri scored all three of Racing’s first-half goals before Elche mounted a late response that ultimately fell short.

Zabiri puts Racing in control

Racing took the lead in the 15th minute when Zabiri found the net, then doubled the advantage six minutes later. His third goal arrived in the 36th minute, with Iñigo Vicente providing the assist. The hat-trick gave Jose Lopez’s side a commanding 3-0 lead at half-time and made Zabiri the decisive figure in the opening period.

Elche coach Martin Anselmi made two changes at the interval, bringing on E. Ponce for A. Houary and Tete Morente for M. Aguado. The visitors continued to push after the restart, while Racing also made changes as M. Prati replaced Andrés Martín in the 59th minute and G. Guliashvili came on for Vicente in the 69th. Zabiri was substituted at the same minute for A. Villalibre after completing his outstanding contribution.

Late Elche pressure changes the mood

Elche finally reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, when Buba Sangare scored from L. Cepeda’s assist. Just one minute later, Fernando Niño made it 3-2 after being set up by Tete Morente. The quick double gave Elche a realistic opportunity to complete the comeback, but Racing held on to secure the points.

The match also produced three yellow cards. Racing’s F. Gonzalez was booked in the 43rd minute and A. Mantilla in the 45th, while Elche’s F. Buonanotte received a card in the 63rd. Racing committed 16 fouls to Elche’s 19, with the hosts receiving two of the three cautions.

Elche have more of the ball but not the result

The scoreline did not fully reflect the balance of possession or attacking volume. Elche had 60% of the ball, completed 474 passes at an 87% accuracy rate and attempted 17 shots, compared with Racing’s 13. The visitors also won 10 corners to Racing’s five. However, both sides recorded six shots on goal, while Racing’s expected-goals figure was higher at 1.50 to Elche’s 0.99.

A first win for Racing

Zabiri was the standout performer, receiving a 10.0 rating after scoring three goals in 69 minutes and registering three shots on target. Gustavo Puerta and Vicente also rated highly for Racing, with Vicente adding six key passes and an assist.

Racing had entered the match 12th with one point from two games, while Elche were 18th with one point. The result gives Racing their first win and four points from three matches, while Elche remain on one point after a first victory remained out of reach.