- Racing have played only 1 game at home in LaLiga 2026/2027 so far, drawing 2-2 with Villarreal.
- Elche have played 1 away game in LaLiga 2026/2027, drawing 1-1 with Deportivo A Coruna.
Two teams with different methods
Two sides with very different approaches will come together on Friday night in what promises to be a cagey match at Estadio El Sardinero. José López has led the racinguistas since 12 December 2022 and has maintained his high-tempo, counter-pressing approach, while Martín Anselmi, in charge of Elche since 1 July 2026, has built his team in a possession-first mould, which tries to dominate possession and recover the ball quickly.
So, Racing are a 4-2-3-1 system that thrives on short passes and aggressive regains, while Elche have adopted a 5-man defence with wing-backs that allows them to play their structured football and build-up from the back.
Andres Martin has been in fine form for Racing Santander of late, making him their most dangerous player with 1 goal in 1 appearance in LaLiga 2026/2027. Meanwhile, Marc Aguado has given Elche a spark with 1 goal in 1 game in the same competition, while Gonzalo Villar has provided an extra bit of bite in the final third with 1 assist.
Sides to play out a draw at Estadio El Sardinero
Racing Santander are 7th in the LaLiga 2026/2027 table on 1 point from 1 game, while Elche are 10th on 1 point from 1, making this a tight-looking battle at the early stages of the season. Despite Racing being 1 place higher, Elche have been unbeaten so far (D1) and will have a bit more confidence on Friday. The slight favourites are racinguistas at 2.5, but Elche are in the same price range at 2.75. With both sides unbeaten in their 1 home and 1 away game respectively, this could be a close contest and there's no shame in supporting the draw at 3.3.
Goals could be scarce at the Sardineros
Elche's 1-1 draw with Deportivo A Coruna was their 4th draw in a row, so we can see this being another tight match that is difficult to call a winner of. Racing's home games in 2026/2027 have been open games averaging 2.00 goals scored and 2.00 goals conceded, while Elche have conceded just 1.00 per away match, so the under 2.5 goals market is live at 1.8.
