La Liga newcomers are counting on home advantage: Racing vs Elche prediction
The third-round La Liga match between Racing and Elche will take place on 28 August at El Sardinero in Santander. Both teams have collected one point from their opening two fixtures and are still without a win: the hosts sit 14th, while the visitors are 18th.
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Racing: return to La Liga has started without disaster
José Alberto's side are playing their first top-flight season since the 2011/12 campaign and managed a 2-2 draw with Villarreal in the opening round. Racing then lost 1-0 to Getafe, making the home fixture against Elche a good opportunity to claim their first victory since returning to La Liga.
The squad underwent major changes over the summer, with the club signing nine players, including Sergio Canales, who returned to his boyhood team. The most recent head-to-head meeting also favours the hosts: in March 2025, Racing beat Elche 2-0.
Elche: a response is needed after heavy defeat to the champions
Martín Anselmi's side began the season with a 1-1 draw against Deportivo, but in the second round they were overwhelmed by Barcelona's attack and suffered a 5-0 home defeat. After such a result, the visitors' priority will be to restore confidence and avoid another defensive collapse.
Elche finished 15th last season and are now trying to establish themselves in La Liga for a second consecutive year. The club made eight signings over the summer, with Buba Sangaré's move from Roma the biggest transfer.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Racing have taken one point from their opening two matches, drawing 2-2 with Villarreal and losing 1-0 to Getafe.
- Elche have lost two of their last three head-to-head meetings with Racing.
- The most recent meeting between the teams in March 2025 ended in a 2-0 victory for Racing.
Home advantage could prove decisive: Racing vs Elche prediction
Based on the start of the season, the two teams look fairly evenly matched, so a clear advantage for either side is unlikely. However, Racing have already shown that they can compete with strong opponents and should play with even greater confidence at home.
Elche will need to recover quickly after conceding five goals against Barcelona. In an evenly balanced contest, the atmosphere at El Sardinero could tilt the match in the hosts' favour.
