Racing Santander – Real Madrid: preview
We provide predictions for the encounter between Racing Santander and Real Madrid in the 11th round of the 2026/27 Spanish league.
Racing is in 13th place, three points from the relegation zone. Real Madrid occupies third place, one position behind second‑placed Atlético and three ahead of first‑placed Barcelona.
Key moments
Racing Santander
Racing broke its poor run after a good start in LaLiga: they failed to win in four consecutive matches, suffering three defeats. The streak ended in the last round when Racing finally beat the struggling Espanyol (2–1) and moved away from the relegation zone. The goal difference was again created by Yassir Zabi, who scored the winning goal. He already has eight goals in LaLiga 2026/27, one of them against Barcelona. Zabi is third in the top‑scorer race.
Afterwards, Racing played a first‑leg Copa del Rey match against Ribadesell (2–0). The physical condition of the players is not affected: José Alberto used the second team in full, letting the starters rest.
2. The only loss: Salinas injured
In Racing’s squad there is only one absence, but a painful one: due to accumulated yellow cards, Jorge Salinas, Racing’s main left‑back, will miss the match against Real. He is a key player and one of the best in the team at the start of the season: the fastest in the squad, in the top‑3 for clearances, interceptions and decisive passes. He could create serious problems for Federico Valverde.
There will also be an interesting encounter: from 2010 to 2012 the rookie and new Racing leader, Sergio Canales, was part of Real’s system, coached by José Mourinho, and played ten matches with the first team. They will meet again.
3. Racing does not lose at home
Away, Racing has been terrible, losing all five away matches in LaLiga 2026/27 with a total of 4–19. At home, the Santanderis are fine: in five matches they have won three, drawn twice, scored 11 goals and earned 11 points – the fifth result in LaLiga. However, the defense also fails at home: they have conceded eight goals. Real has not been beaten on its own ground for 15 years; since 2011, when Racing held Real to a 0–0 draw.
Real Madrid
1. Real regained initiative and confidence after the ‘Clásico’ win.
The turning point for Real was the match against Roma (4–3), during which the Madrilenians made typical mistakes, but ultimately scored three goals and won. The team gained confidence in its abilities and in José Mourinho’s leadership, followed by three victories: over Sevilla (4–1), Leipzig (4–1) and Barcelona (2–1), not losing points in LaLiga since May 2025. Now Real has narrowed the gap with Barcelona to three points, fully returning to the title race. There is a relatively quiet stretch without matches against the big clubs, during which it can consolidate its position.
2. Valverde and Courtois in order
Federico Valverde felt discomfort in the back of his thigh during the ‘Clásico’, but played until minute 62 before leaving the field. Tests revealed no injuries, so the Uruguayan is ready for the match against Racing. Thibaut Courtois missed the ‘Clásico’ due to flu, but is now fine and trains with the first team – he will likely start the match. Vinícius Júnior remains unavailable, suspended for four matches – he will miss two more games. Without the Brazilian, Madrid performs very well: Yannick Diomandé, although not shining in attack in the same ‘Clásico’, worked well in defense.
3. Racing – a comfortable opponent for Real
Racing is a romantic club that continues to try to play in its own way, despite the transition to LaLiga. In seven of ten LaLiga matches the Santanderis dominated the territory. They are also among the top five in league pressure intensity. But the style has consequences in high‑level matches, as we saw in the game against Barcelona (2–7). For Real it is a gift: a week ago they overcame the pressure and dominance of the league’s top team on its own ground. With Racing it will be easier.
Approximate lineups
4-2-3-1
– Aguirre
– Agüera
– Cárdenas
– Beltrán
– Ramón
– Mántila
– Prati
– Martín
– Vicente
– Canalés
– Martín García
– Zabi
– Courtois
– Valverde
– Conaté
– Hayer
– Kucuriel
– Tchaméni
– Silva
– Gülér
– Bellíng
– Diomandé
– Mbappé
Trend odds
In five of the last six matches between Racing and Real, fewer than five goals were scored. Bet: TM 4.5 for 1.65.
In four of the last six matches between Racing and Real, only one of the two teams scored. Bet: both teams to score – No for 2.45.
Prediction
Racing Santander vs Real Madrid 01.11.2026 19:15
Racing, after a good start in LaLiga, slowed down: they could not win in four consecutive matches, suffering three defeats. The streak ended in the last round when Racing finally beat the struggling Espanyol (2–1). At home, the Santanderis are fine: in five matches they have won three and drawn twice. However, Racing will lose to Real due to the absence of Salinas – a key player in José Alberto’s system. Real regained confidence after winning the five matches after the international break – the highlight was the away ‘Clásico’ victory. The win narrowed the gap with Barcelona to three points and restored confidence to Real – the title race remains alive. And Racing is a comfortable opponent: the Santanderis always try to play their own football, without defending in the low area. After the Barcelona test, for Real it will not be a problem – on the contrary. Madrid must win. Prediction: 1-3
