Image source: Getty Images
2026/27 La Liga
Matchday 1
Racing Santander vs Villarreal
Sunday 16 August, 17:00
Stadium El Sardinero
Villarreal will look to continue their rise in La Liga when they face hosts Racing Santander at Stadium El Sardinero on Sunday 16 August, kick-off at 17:00.
Form and team news
Racing, after spending 14 years outside of La Liga, earned promotion back to the top flight after winning the 2025/26 Segunda Division (La Liga 2). Coached by Jose Alberto Lopez, the Racinguistas will look to consolidate a place in Spain’s elite league through the course of the new campaign.
The Racinguistas completed their preseason campaign last Friday with a 1-1 draw against Alaves (followed by a 6-7 penaly shootout defeat). They have also played the likes of Wolves, Athletic Bilbao, Osasuna and Sporting Gijon.
Villarreal were the surprise package of La Liga last season, finishing in third place behind champions Barcelona and runners-up Real Madrid. The Yellow Submarine thrived under coach Marcelino, but he left the club in May and has been replaced by Inigo Perez, who led Rayo Vallecano to the final of the UEFA Conference League last season.
The Yellow Submarine’s notable transfer activity includes the signing of goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi, alongside key departures such as Ramón Terrats to Getafe and Alfonso Pedraza joining Lazio on a free transfer.
What the teams are saying
Villarreal goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi, who was signed earlier this month: “I came here because I was looking for a new challenge after many years in Germany. I wanted to maintain that high competitive level, but do it in a different league and experience a new culture. Then the opportunity arose to play here, at one of the best clubs in Spain. I will give everything to help the team and achieve success together.”
Head-to-head
Racing and Villarreal have met in 33 matches dating back as far as 1970. The Yellow Submarine has won 16 matches compared to eight for the Racinguistas, while nine games have been drawn.
The teams’ most recent meeting was a round of 32 Copa del Rey cup tie in December 2025 which Racing won 2-1 at home.
2026/27 La Liga fixtures: Matchday 1
Saturday 15 August
19:30: Alaves vs Getafe
21:30: Sevilla vs Rayo Vallecano
Sunday 16 August
17:00: Racing vs Villarreal
19:00: Espanyol vs Levante
21:30: Celta vs Osasuna
Monday 17 August
21:00: Deportivo vs Elche
Wednesday 19 August
21:00: Atletico vs Malaga
Bet on La Liga with Betway
Sign up at Betway and enjoy solid action and heart-racing thrills when you bet on soccer leagues such as the English Premier League, the Italian Serie A, the Spanish La Liga and many more.
Join our Telegram Channel
Get way more with Betway. Enjoy the thrill of sports betting, casino games, and more. Join our community for tips, bonuses, and exciting offers. #BetwaySquad
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions, follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. Download the Betway App.