Racing Santander is set to face a formidable opponent, Villarreal, in the Copa del Rey Round of 32. This match will take place at Estadio El Sardinero on Wednesday. Racing Santander earned their spot in this stage after a tense 2-1 victory over Ponferradina, requiring extra time to secure the win.
Match Preview
The team from Santander, under the guidance of coach Jose Alberto Lopez, is currently experiencing strong form. They are on a six-game unbeaten streak, with four wins and two draws. During this period, they have scored a total of 13 goals. However, they approach the match with a cautious mindset, having faced elimination at this very stage last season against Celta Vigo.
Racing’s Historical Context
- Racing Santander has only two victories in the last 15 encounters with Villarreal.
- The last win was a narrow 1-0 victory in December 2011.
Villarreal, on the other hand, is looking to capitalize on their domestic success. Despite some struggles in European competitions, they have performed well domestically, including in the Copa del Rey. In their previous match, they defeated Antoniano on penalties to advance. Villarreal holds an impressive record against Racing, with nine wins and three draws out of 15 matches.
Team Form and Injuries
Racing Santander’s recent performances show promise in the Copa del Rey. However, they will need to improve their defensive capabilities, having conceded 26 goals in 18 league matches. At home, they remain unbeaten in their last six matches across all competitions.
In terms of lineup, there are some expected changes. For Racing Santander, key players include goalkeeper Plamen Andreev and striker Asier Villalibre, who has scored 10 goals this season. Villarreal, managed by Marcelino, may rotate their squad for this matchup, with several injuries affecting their selection, including Pau Cabanes and Gerard Moreno.
Probable Lineups
| Racing Santander | Villarreal |
|---|---|
| Andreev | Tenas |
| Salina | Altimira |
| Ramon | Veiga |
| Castro | Marin |
| Mantilla | Cardona |
| Puerta | Pepe |
| Gueye | Partey |
| Vicente | Gueye |
| Canales | Solomon |
| Martin | Oluwaseyi |
| Villalibre | Lopez |
Match Prediction
Given their current form, Villarreal is predicted to edge past Racing Santander with a 2-1 victory. Although Racing Santander has shown attacking prowess, the experienced Yellow Submarine is likely to leverage their strengths to secure advancement in the Copa del Rey.
