Well Racing de Santander now only have the league in order to gain entry to the UEFA cup, as in midweek they were knocked out of the King’s cup by drawing at home to Getafe. The one one draw was a big blow for the modest Spanish side, who are currently having the best season of their long history. They are currently seventh in the league and at the moment are out of contention for a place in Europe’s second competition, but being just one point from Espanyol in sixth place and three points from Atlético Madrid in fourth, the players know that they have to get over the deception of the King’s cup quickly and concentrate on the league, starting with this important game against struggling Recreativo. They will also be aware that fourth placed Atlético and fifth placed Sevilla face each other the night before, and knowing the outcome of that match will be very important to Racing. The match kicks off two hours after the Murcia – Espanyol match as well, so Racing will now that a win here could mean a return to the UEFA cup positions.
Recreativo meanwhile are in desperate need of the three points on offer here. Last weekend they beat Murcia at home by four goals to two, which was a great feat as in the game before they lost away to Mallorca by a staggering seven goals to one. Currently third from bottom of the league and occupying the last relegation spot, Recreativo are level on points with the three teams above them, and two points away from twelfth spot, so they too will now the importance of the three points.
Recreativo coach Manolo Zambrano will have problems creating his side as a host of first team regulars won’t be available. Javier Camuñas has to sit out a one match ban, and Silvestre Varela and Ersen Martín are both out through injury. The problems however, are in those players who are doubtful for the encounter but just might make a fitness test on time. They include Portuguese defender Beto, Argentinean striker Marco Ruben, Jesus Vazquez, Rafa Barber, Iago Bouzon, and striker Javier Guerrero.
The biggest problem facing Racing de Santander is finding a replacement for Argentinean sensation Garay. He suffered twisted leg ligaments in the game against Getafe and will be out for the next six weeks. Not good news for coach Marcelino Garcia who loses his best player for some important games. Nevertheless, I’m going for a home win here. Racing I think are too strong for Recreativo, and knowing that a win could put them back in line for a place in the UEFA cup will give Racing all the impetus they need.
Prediction: Home win (3-1)