Racing Santander vs Alaves

Racing Santander take on Alaves in round five of the La Liga regular season this Saturday. The newly promoted hosts are looking to build on their first victory of the campaign, while the unbeaten Basque visitors aim to maintain their superb early momentum.

Racing Santander Team News and Form

José Alberto López’s promoted side have made a respectable return to Spain's top tier, gathering four points from their opening three fixtures to sit mid-table. After a 2-2 opening draw with Villarreal and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Getafe, Racing found their attacking rhythm with a 3-2 victory over Elche. The catalyst was a brilliant hat-trick from Yassir Zabiri, who will once again spearhead a 4-2-3-1 formation. Veteran playmaker Sergio Canales operates in the number ten role behind him, while goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala has already made 10 saves this term.

López does have absences to navigate. Winger Andres Martin remains sidelined with a knee injury until October, and Iker Luque serves a suspension. Simon Eriksson is carrying a knock and remains doubtful, meaning Alvaro Mantilla should retain his spot at right-back.

Alaves Form Guide

Before the season began, many tipped Alaves for a relegation battle after finishing 14th last year. Instead, Quique Sanchez Flores has guided his squad to fourth place with seven points from three games. Following a commanding 3-0 win over Getafe and a 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano, they secured a standout 1-0 victory against Champions League regulars Villarreal.

Their success has been built on a resolute defensive structure, conceding just one goal so far. However, that triumph over Villarreal came at a cost. Striker Toni Martinez suffered an injury early in the second half and is expected to miss out this weekend.

Key Battle: Zabiri Against the Basque Block

With Martinez sidelined, 33-year-old Mariano Diaz is set to lead the line for Alaves from the first whistle. Diaz has been highly effective, netting twice in his three league appearances, and he will look to test Racing's backline alongside Lucas Boye.

At the other end, Zabiri’s clinical finishing will be put to the test against an Alaves defensive unit expected to feature Nahuel Tenaglia, Koski, and goalkeeper Antonio Sivera. Antonio Blanco will anchor the midfield for the visitors, tasked with disrupting Canales's supply line to the attacking front.

A positive result for Racing Santander would further cement their confidence as a top-flight outfit, while an away win could push Alaves even higher into the European spots before the autumn schedule intensifies.