News Focus
- Racing Santander confirm promotion to La Liga after 14 years outside the top flight
- The Cantabrian side defeated Real Valladolid 4-1 at El Sardinero to secure their place in the 2026-27 season
- Andres Martin scored twice, with Asier Villalibre and Suleiman Camara also finding the net
- The club could clinch the Segunda División title this weekend if Deportivo La Coruna drop points
- Racing last appeared in La Liga during the 2011-12 campaign before suffering back-to-back relegations
Real Racing Club de Santander have finally returned to the Spanish top flight. The historic club from Cantabria secured their promotion to La Liga on Saturday after a commanding performance against Real Valladolid.
The match at El Sardinero finished 4-1 in favour of the home side. This result guarantees their place in the first division for the 2026-27 season. It marks the end of a long 14-year wait for the club and its loyal supporters.
Andres Martin led the attack with two goals. Asier Villalibre and Suleiman Camara also scored during the one-sided contest. The victory confirms Racing’s status as one of the strongest teams in the Segunda División this term.
The club’s most recent appearance in La Liga came during the 2011-12 season. Hard times followed when they suffered consecutive demotions in 2012-13. This double drop sent them down to the third tier, where they spent several difficult seasons.
Racing have bounced between divisions in recent years. They played in the Primera Federación during 2013-14 and again between 2015 and 2019. More recently, they competed at the third level during 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Their fortunes changed upon returning to Segunda in 2022-23. The team finished 12th that season, then improved to seventh place. Last term, they secured fifth position. Now, they stand on the brink of winning the league championship.
The title could be theirs as early as Sunday. This will occur if Deportivo La Coruna fail to defeat FC Andorra at home. Regardless of the final standings, Racing will compete against Spain’s elite clubs next season.
Supporters can now anticipate hosting Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Atletico Madrid at El Sardinero. These fixtures represent a remarkable turnaround for a club that has fought hard to reclaim its place among the country’s footballing heavyweights.