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Real Madrid return to El Sardinero fourteen years on. On Sunday 1 November (16:15 CET) they visit Racing de Santander on LaLiga matchday 11, flying high after raiding Camp Nou in El Clásico (1-2) and cutting the gap at the top to three points. Facing them, a newly promoted side full of confidence after coming back to beat Espanyol (2-1) and climbing out of the relegation zone, and a stadium that has been counting the days to this one.
The context: a Madrid on a roll and a Racing side breathing again
Madrid have won three in a row — Sevilla (4-1), RB Leipzig (1-4) and El Clásico (1-2) — and arrive in Santander on 24 points, three off the leaders. Racing, meanwhile, are breathing easier after their comeback against Espanyol: 0-1 down on 62 minutes, Belocian levelled on 69 and Zabiri completed the turnaround on 84. That makes 11 points and a huge morale boost. Their big problem remains at the back: with 26 goals conceded they own one of the leakiest defences in the league, a stat a Madrid side with Mbappé in this form (a brace at Camp Nou) will look at with interest.
Without Vinícius: third match of his ban
Vinícius will not be in Santander either: he serves the third match of his four-game ban (Sevilla, El Clásico, Racing and Valencia). Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio, both long-term absentees, also miss out, and Mendy is still short of match rhythm. The good news for Mourinho is the form of his core: Lunin is coming off a huge Clásico in goal and Mbappé off deciding it with two goals.
El Sardinero, 14 years later
Madrid have not played at the Campos de Sport for 14 years. Racing put tickets on sale with priority for season-ticket holders and a big atmosphere is expected: 21,473 watched the Espanyol game, and Madrid’s visit is THE match of the year in Santander. A textbook banana skin: Sunday at 16:15, a fired-up ground and a home side that runs twice as hard at home.
Kick-off time and how to watch
Sunday 1 November, 16:15 CET, at El Sardinero. In Florida that is 10:15 AM: note that the United States also leaves daylight saving time that day, so the difference with Spain goes back to six hours. In Spain the match is on DAZN LaLiga and Orange TV. The referee is still to be confirmed: the official appointment is announced 24 hours before the match and we will add it to this preview as soon as it is published.