Racing de Santander once again beat RCD Espanyol with a resounding 2‑1 at the Sardinero Stadium, putting coach Manolo González's permanence in the League at risk. The match, played on October 24, 2026, ended with Racing at the top of the relegation table, while Espanyol was forced to review the future of its coach after its fourth defeat in five days.
The match began with a goal from Edu Expósito at 15 minutes, which put Espanyol ahead. Racing, with a solid defense and the presence of Andrés Martín, who had recovered from his sprained knee, tried to react without making significant progress. In the second half, the lack of Espanyol's defense and the lack of precision in the attack left the team with few opportunities to equalize the score.
The comeback came in the 62nd minute when Expósito scored again, but Racing did not lose its calm. At 69 minutes, Javi Belocian scored the first equalizer of the match, but referee Jesús Gil Manzano sanctioned a previous foul by Roberto on Belocian, which generated controversy among the Espanyol players. Despite the controversy, Racing continued to pressure Fortuño's goal, and in the 84th minute Yassir Zabiri sealed the victory with a goal that put Racing at the top of the relegation table.
The result left Espanyol in the relegation zone, with only 24 points in the table, and the future of Manolo González was compromised. The parakeet coach, who has been criticized for his performance this season, faces a possible departure from his position. Racing, for its part, remains at the top of the relegation table, with 27 points, and the team is preparing for its next round of the League.