Zabiri Hat-Trick Sinks Elche as Racing Santander Win 3-2
Yassir Zabiri struck a brilliant first-half hat-trick to fire Racing Santander to a 3-2 win over Elche at El Sardinero, easing the pressure on the home side after a difficult start to the season.
Zabiri opened the scoring inside 15 minutes and added two more in the 21st and 36th, turning in a man-of-the-match display to put Racing firmly in control by half-time. It was a display of ruthless finishing, with the hosts scoring three times from an xG of just 1.5 – underlining their efficiency in front of goal.
Elche had the better of possession, enjoying 60% of the ball and out-shooting Racing 17 to 13, but were unable to make that dominance count where it mattered most. Their profligacy in the first half proved costly.
The visitors did rally after the break. Buba Sangaré pulled one back in the 78th minute, and Fernando Niño’s strike soon after set up a nervy finish at 3-2. But despite a spirited late push, Elche couldn’t find an equaliser, and Racing held on for a crucial three points.
The result lifts Racing Santander up to 12th and offers a much-needed boost as they look to pull away from the relegation zone. It is a much bleaker picture for Elche, who remain second-from-bottom on just one point from three games, with the fight against the drop already looking like a long one.
