Racing Santander and Elche open the third round of the 2026/27 La Liga season on Friday, August 28, with kick-off scheduled for 17:00 local time at Campos de Sport de El Sardinero. Both teams are searching for their first league victory after recording one draw and one defeat across the opening two rounds. Racing begin the fixture in 14th place, while Elche are 18th. With each side holding one point from a possible six, this early-season meeting offers an opportunity to build confidence and move away from the lower end of the standings.

The hosts returned from their opening two fixtures with mixed feelings. They drew 2-2 against Villarreal after having led 2-0, before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Getafe on August 23. Elche also started with a draw, earning a point in their first match, but their second appearance ended in a heavy 5-0 home loss to FC Barcelona. The visitors therefore arrive needing a response, while Racing will look to turn two competitive performances into their first three-point return.

Racing Santander's Recent Form and Key Statistics

Racing Santander have collected one win, two draws and two defeats from their last five matches. Across that sequence, they averaged 1.4 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per game. Their La Liga record after two rounds stands at no victories, one draw and one loss, with averages of 1.0 goal scored and 1.5 conceded.

The 2-2 draw against Villarreal demonstrated Racing's ability to create a two-goal advantage, although surrendering that lead prevented them from making a winning start. Their subsequent 1-0 loss to Getafe was decided by a single goal, and the overall performance across the first two rounds has given them reasons to believe that a first victory is within reach.

Recent home fixtures have frequently produced plenty of action. More than 3.5 total goals were scored in each of Racing Santander's last eight home matches. That sequence is particularly notable ahead of a game involving an Elche side that has already conceded six times in two league appearances.

Pedro Felipe remains a doubt. He has returned to training with the rest of the group, but his physical condition is not yet considered optimal. José Alberto was satisfied with his team's displays despite taking only one point, meaning Racing could maintain considerable continuity in their selection.

Elche's Recent Form and Key Statistics

Elche enter the match after a 5-0 defeat against FC Barcelona on August 23. They competed for periods of that game but lacked effectiveness in the final third, and the final score underlined how much improvement is still required. Their season record is identical to Racing's at one draw and one defeat, although their goal averages are less encouraging: 0.5 scored and 3.0 conceded per league match.

Across their last five matches, Elche have registered one victory, three draws and one defeat. They scored an average of 1.6 goals per game during that run but conceded 2.0. The figures suggest that their recent results have often been competitive, although the Barcelona defeat significantly increased their early-season goals-against total.

The visitors' away trends provide two important points for this Racing Santander vs Elche preview. Elche have conceded at least once in each of their last 18 away matches in La Liga, while every one of those fixtures has featured at least one second-half goal. Across all competitions, they have also conceded in their last 13 away games, with a second-half goal recorded in every match in that sequence.

The wider numbers reinforce the likelihood of activity after the interval. At least one second-half goal has been scored in 29 of Elche's last 31 La Liga matches and in 23 of their last 25 games overall. Yago Santiago is confirmed unavailable, while Anselmi may make changes following the five-goal defeat. Buonanotte is among the options to start after making a positive contribution during his time on the pitch against Barcelona.

Probable Lineups for Racing Santander vs Elche

Racing Santander: Julen Agirrezabala; Mantilla, Manu Hernando, Pablo Ramón, Jorge Salinas; Gustavo Puerta, Sergio Martínez; Andrés Martín, Sergio Canales, Íñigo Vicente, Villalibre.

Elche: Dituro; Affengruber, Redondo, Víctor Chust; Germán Valera, Aguado, Rodrigo Mendoza, Sangaré; Buonanotte, Morente, Fer Niño.

Racing Santander vs Elche Match Analysis

The statistical picture gives Racing Santander a measurable advantage, but it does not point to a completely one-sided contest. The home side have a 48% win probability, compared with 27% for a draw and 25% for an Elche victory. Available decimal odds also place Racing as the shorter-priced team at 2.20, with the draw at 3.30 and an away win at 3.40.

Home advantage could prove important because Elche's away defensive record has been consistently vulnerable. Their sequence of conceding in 18 consecutive La Liga trips gives Racing a clear reason to approach the match with confidence. The hosts also won the most recent head-to-head meeting 2-0 on March 2, 2025, and Elche have lost on their last two visits to Racing Santander. However, the broader five-match head-to-head summary is balanced at two Racing wins, one draw and two Elche victories, with both teams averaging 1.4 goals.

The goals markets indicate only a narrow preference for an open contest. Both teams to score is assessed at 54%, while over 2.5 goals carries a 52% probability. Racing's run of eight home games featuring more than 3.5 goals supports the possibility of entertainment, but their latest match ended 1-0 and neither team has yet won in the league. The most consistent theme is therefore Racing's stronger overall position rather than a decisive goals angle.

Elche must show a reaction after conceding five, yet their prolonged run without an away clean sheet makes this a difficult assignment. Racing have also avoided a heavy defeat in their first two rounds, drawing with Villarreal and losing by only one goal to Getafe. Combining the home edge, the latest head-to-head result and Elche's away defensive sequence, the hosts appear more likely to take something from the fixture, while the draw remains a realistic outcome.

Racing Santander vs Elche prediction from BetMines: Racing Santander or Draw (1X) with 75% probability.