Yassir Zabiri brace ends Alaves’ unbeaten start in 2-1 Racing win

Racing Santander beat Alaves 2-1 at Estadio El Sardinero on Saturday, ending the visitors’ unbeaten start after four league games. The result leaves Alaves on 10 points and Racing Santander on four ahead of the next round.

How it happened

Ville Koski put Alaves ahead in the 18th minute, but Racing Santander levelled through Yassir Zabiri 20 minutes later, with Iñigo Vicente supplying the assist. Zabiri completed the turnaround in the 53rd minute. Racing Santander then held on despite receiving one red card, while Alaves were caught offside nine times.

The numbers

Racing Santander controlled 57% of possession and completed 349 accurate passes, compared with 43% and 244 for Alaves. The visitors produced more total shots, 16 to 11, and more shots on goal, 8 to 4, but Julen Agirrezabala made seven saves. Alaves goalkeeper made two saves, while Racing Santander also registered four shots inside the box against Alaves’ 10.

Who decided it

Yassir Zabiri was the difference-maker with two goals from three shots on target. The Racing Santander forward earned a 9.0 rating during 74 minutes and added one key pass and one tackle. Iñigo Vicente also influenced the result with four key passes and two tackles in 83 minutes.

Why it matters

Racing Santander sit 13th with four points from four matches, eight behind leaders Barcelona and six behind Alaves. Alaves remain second on 10 points, two points below Barcelona, but their record now stands at three wins, one draw and one defeat.