Racing de Santander Maintains Top Spot in Segunda División

Racing de Santander continues to lead Spain’s Segunda División after a hard-fought 1-0 win at Castalia Stadium, marking their fourth consecutive victory.

Castellón, still winless at home this season, struggled with defensive errors and were thwarted by a standout performance from Racing’s goalkeeper, Jokin Ezkieta, who helped secure the visitors’ clean sheet.

The match began with both teams pushing forward, eager to find an early breakthrough. Racing, the more threatening side, created several chances in the opening 10 minutes. The first came when Jozhua made a last-ditch tackle to deny Andrés from close range. Shortly after, a defensive mistake left Racing’s Arana one-on-one with Castellón’s goalkeeper, Crettaz, but the keeper made a crucial save. Moments later, Crettaz was called into action again to block a shot from Vicente.

Castellón responded with two opportunities of their own through Raúl Sánchez, who had a header from a corner and a shot from a counter-attack, though neither found the target. The game’s best chance before the break came when Arana’s shot inside the Castellón box struck the crossbar. Both teams created a total of 14 chances in the first half, but it remained goalless, with Crettaz once again coming up big to deny Michelin in a one-on-one just before halftime.

The second half began with a costly error from Castellón defender Mamah, who lost the ball near his own penalty area. Racing’s full-back, Mario, took advantage, and Castellón conceded a penalty. Andrés stepped up to calmly slot the ball into the bottom left corner, outwitting Crettaz and giving Racing the lead.

Castellón struggled to recover after the goal. Racing nearly doubled their lead when Karrikaburu capitalised on a mistake during Castellón’s attempt to play out from the back, but his shot went over the bar. The home fans were left frustrated when referee Orellana Cid chose not to send off Michelin after a foul on Raúl Sánchez, which would have been his second yellow card.

Castellón eventually mounted some pressure, but Racing’s goalkeeper, Ezkieta, was in inspired form. He made a series of critical saves, first denying Raúl Sánchez and Douglas, then blocking a close-range effort from Seutjens after Jozhua had recovered possession on the edge of the area. Ezkieta’s quick reactions kept Racing in the lead, allowing them to hold on for the victory.

With this win, Racing de Santander remains firmly at the top of the Second Division, while Castellón continues to search for their first home victory of the season.