Yassir Zabiri scored twice as Racing Santander came from behind to defeat Deportivo Alavés 2-1 at El Sardinero, securing their second win of the season and ending the visitors’ unbeaten start to the campaign.
Alavés created the first clear opportunity when Nahuel Tenaglia’s cross-field ball found Mariano Díaz, whose volley was brilliantly kept out by Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala.
The visitors eventually took the lead in the 18th minute. Antonio Blanco’s effort from the edge of the box was deflected into the path of Angel Pérez, whose attempt was saved before Ville Koski reacted quickest to score from close range.
Racing responded seven minutes before half-time when a ball over the top released Zabiri, who raced through on goal before calmly finishing with his left foot past Antonio Sivera to level the contest.
Read Also: tobi-amusan-clinches-silver-in-womens-100m-hurdles
The hosts continued to press after the restart and completed the comeback early in the second half. Iñigo Vicente’s delivery across the face of goal found Zabiri, who made no mistake from close range to score his second of the night and send manager José Alberto López celebrating on the touchline.
Alavés were handed a further setback in the 89th minute when André Almeida was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Jonny Otto.
Quique Sánchez Flores’ side pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Racing defended resolutely and limited the visitors to few clear chances, holding on for a valuable victory.
The result leaves Racing with two wins from their opening five matches since returning to the top flight, alongside one draw and two defeats.
For Alavés, the loss ends their unbeaten run and leaves them on 10 points after five matches, although they remain among the early pace-setters in the league.
