Racing Santander will look to remain unbeaten in La Liga football at home this season by causing a shock against recent El Clásico victors Real Madrid.
Match News and Current Form
Racing Santander ended a four-game drought in this competition when they claimed a vital three points against Espanyol on home soil, where all three of their league wins have been claimed this term. That result gives them the opportunity to further extend their unbeaten home league run to six matches (W3, D2), a feat they’ve not achieved since back in February 2011 in the top-flight. With each of those five fixtures witnessing them score 2+ goals in the process, they’ll likely need to continue that attacking form to outscore their powerhouse opponents, especially as they remain one of only two top-flight sides without a clean sheet this term.
Real Madrid travelled to Camp Nou last weekend and produced a masterful display during El Clásico to claim a vital 2-1 win over fierce rivals Barcelona and propel themselves back into this season’s title race. Starting this matchday now just three points off the top of the La Liga standings, it has been their explosive attacking line that has underpinned their success by netting 25 goals - the second-most in the competition - though work remains to be done on the road. That’s because they’ve failed to keep any clean sheets across their five away league fixtures to this point, while alternating between winning and losing on the road this season (W3, D2).
Head-to-Head History
Real Madrid have won nine of their last ten La Liga matches against Santander (D1), keeping four clean sheets across their last five H2Hs in that time.
Hot Stats and Streaks
All five of Santander’s home La Liga matches this season have seen both sides score (average 3.8 total goals per game).
Only two sides picked up more yellow cards in the first ten La Liga rounds than Santander (27).
Real Madrid have scored three goals on average across their last eight La Liga games against newly-promoted opponents.
Real Madrid have faced an average of 5.2 shots on target across their five away league games this term.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Santander’s Yassir Zabiri grabbed his eighth league goal of the season in the last round, three of which have now served as match-winners on home soil. Kylian Mbappé netted a brace last weekend, with all nine of his goalscoring appearances this season helping Real Madrid to win.
Santander have no fresh selection issues, but Real are without Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde and the still suspended Vinícius Júnior.
For all the latest team news, please check the Flashscore match centre.
Betting Analysis
Although Santander are strong at home, still backing Real Madrid to win and score 3+ goals in the process could prove a sensible option given the hosts’ defensive woes.
Author: Nathan Evans