El Sardinero opens the Friday slot on 28 August 2026 (19:00 CEST) as Racing Santander host Elche. Sergio Canales pulls the strings for the Cantabrians; Elche reply with Buonanotte's creativity and Niño's movement in a promoted-club clash.
Racing Santander: team news & form
Racing's 4-4-2 features Canales as the deep-lying playmaker and Villalibre as the target man. Home support at El Sardinero drives an aggressive start — Racing want to establish top-flight credentials early.
Racing Santander Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-4-2
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Elche: team news & form
Elche's 4-2-3-1 uses Buonanotte in the ten and Redondo screening. Away from home they compact the block and look for Buonanotte's through balls to Niño.
Tactical battle
Racing's width through Iñigo Vicente vs Elche's compact centre — Canales's passing range could unlock a tight defensive shape.
Prediction & fantasy picks
- Sergio Canales (Racing, MID): set pieces and final-third passing.
- Facundo Buonanotte (Elche, MID): creative spark on the break.
- Asier Villalibre (Racing, FWD): physical presence up top.
- Predictor: Racing Santander 2–0 Elche.
Prediction
Racing's home advantage tells. Prediction: Racing Santander 2–0 Elche.