Getafe 1-0 Racing Santander: Unal strikes four minutes after missed penalty

Getafe claimed a 1-0 victory over Racing Santander at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez on Sunday, August 23, 2026. The result gave Getafe the win in La Liga’s second regular-season round, with E. Unal scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute.

The match’s major turning point came shortly before the goal. In the 77th minute, A. Martin missed a penalty for Racing Santander, leaving the visitors without the breakthrough their possession and early pressure had threatened to produce. Four minutes later, E. Unal found the net for Getafe with a normal goal, putting the hosts ahead and ultimately securing all three points.

Racing controlled possession but could not convert

Racing Santander had more of the ball, holding 57% possession and completing 431 passes at an 82% accuracy rate. Getafe recorded 43% possession, 311 total passes and 76% accuracy. However, the hosts produced twice as many total shots, 12 to six, and also led 9-3 in shots off target. Racing had the advantage in shots on goal, three to one, but Getafe’s only effort on target was enough to decide the match.

The underlying numbers reflected a close contest rather than complete control by either side. Getafe registered an expected-goals figure of 1.22 compared with Racing’s 1.00, while both teams had five shots from inside the box. Getafe also won eight corners to Racing’s five, although the visitors’ ability to work the ball through midfield did not translate into a goal.

Cards and changes shape the second half

The opening period featured three yellow cards in quick succession: J. Salinas was booked for Racing in the 12th minute, followed by Getafe’s S. Sazonov two minutes later and Racing’s A. Mantilla in the 16th. Manu received the visitors’ fourth booking in the 66th minute. Racing made three changes at half-time and in the 64th minute, bringing on I. Martin, Y. Zabiri and M. Gueye, but the substitutions did not produce an equaliser. F. Gonzalez and J. Arana later entered, while S. Boselli replaced A. Garcia for Getafe.

Soria provides a decisive platform

David Soria was the standout performer, earning a 7.9 rating after playing all 90 minutes and making three saves. His contribution was especially important in a match where Racing had more possession and more shots on target. Andrés García also rated highly at 7.6 and made four tackles, while Ramón Terrats supplied four key passes.

Getafe began the match ranked 20th with no points from one game after a loss, while Racing were eighth with one point from a draw. Getafe’s win provides its first points of the campaign, whereas Racing’s unbeaten opening record ends with its first defeat.