Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Match Preview
A classic Copa del Rey tie awaits at a buzzing El Sardinero on Wednesday, 17 December 2025. Racing Santander, flying high in the Segunda División, welcome La Liga giants Villarreal to Cantabria.1 The hosts are in formidable form, unbeaten in their last five and dreaming of a giant-killing. Villarreal, meanwhile, arrive with mixed emotions; despite strong league form, they suffered a disappointing Champions League defeat to Copenhagen mid-week.2 Marcelino’s “Yellow Submarine” must navigate tricky waters against a spirited Racing side to avoid an early cup exit.
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Match Info
- Competition: Copa del Rey (Round of 32)
- Venue: Estadio El Sardinero, Santander (Capacity: 22,222)3
- Date: Wednesday, 17 December 20254
- Kickoff: 21:00 CET | 20:00 GMT | 01:30 IST (Thursday)
- Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero (ESP)
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Match Stakes
Real Racing Club (Segunda Promotion Contenders):
- Win → A massive upset; secures a spot in the Round of 16 and boosts promotion morale
- Draw (at 90′) → Forces Extra Time/Pens; tests the squad’s endurance
- Loss → Focus returns fully to the league promotion push
Villarreal (La Liga Top 4 Contenders):
- Win → Bounces back from UCL defeat; keeps a realistic trophy avenue open
- Draw (at 90′) → Unwanted extra minutes for a squad battling on three fronts
- Loss → A mini-crisis after back-to-back defeats in different competitions
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Team News
Real Racing Club:
- Mantilla M. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Zenitagoia E. — Questionable (Muscle fatigue)
- Arana J. — Available (Top Scorer expected to start)
Villarreal:
- Foyth J. — Out (Knee Injury)
- Pedraza A. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
- Baena A. — Questionable (Rest/Rotation likely)
- Gerard Moreno — Out (Muscle Injury)5
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)
Real Racing Club
- 13/12 — 1–1 vs Leganes (Segunda)
- 07/12 — 3–2 vs Cadiz (Segunda)6
- 05/12 — 2–1 vs Ponferradina (Copa del Rey – AET)
- 30/11 — 4–0 vs Eibar (Segunda)
- 23/11 — 2–0 vs Burgos (Segunda)
Villarreal
- 10/12 — 2–3 vs FC Copenhagen (UCL)
- 06/12 — 2–0 vs Getafe (La Liga)
- 04/12 — 2–1 vs Antoniano (Copa del Rey – AET)
- 30/11 — 3–2 vs Real Sociedad (La Liga)
- 26/11 — 0–4 vs Dortmund (UCL)
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)
- 21/04/2013 — Villarreal 1–0 Racing Santander (Segunda)7
- 17/11/2012 — Racing Santander 0–3 Villarreal (Segunda)
- 15/04/2012 — Villarreal 1–1 Racing Santander (La Liga)8
- 03/12/2011 — Racing Santander 1–0 Villarreal (La Liga)
- 27/02/2011 — Racing Santander 2–2 Villarreal (La Liga)
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)
Real Racing Club (4-2-3-1)
Ezkieta; Dani Fernandez, Manu Hernando, German, Saul Garcia; Aldasoro, Vencedor; Andres Martin, Peque, Vicente; Arana
Villarreal (4-4-2)
Diego Conde; Kiko Femenia, Albiol, Costa, Cardona; Yeremy Pino, Parejo, Comesaña, Akhomach; Barry, Ayoze Perez
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Impact Bench
Real Racing Club: Sangalli (Experience), Karrikaburu (Goal threat off bench)
Villarreal: Baena (Creative spark if needed), Pepe (Direct pace)
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Tactical Analysis
Real Racing Club
Racing plays aggressive, vertical football under José Alberto. At El Sardinero, they will press high, trying to unsettle Villarreal’s build-up. The connection between Peque (in the hole) and Iñigo Vicente on the wing is their primary creative outlet. They will look to exploit the space behind Villarreal’s full-backs, especially if the visitors commit too many bodies forward.
Villarreal
Marcelino’s side usually sets up in a disciplined 4-4-2 but has shown defensive frailty in Europe (conceding 7 goals in last 2 UCL games). They will rely on the technical superiority of Parejo to control the tempo. Villarreal’s danger comes from quick transitions, with Yeremy Pino and Ilias Akhomach looking to isolate Racing’s full-backs 1v1. However, rotation may disrupt their defensive cohesion.
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Key Battles
- Vicente vs Femenia — Racing’s creative hub vs Villarreal’s veteran defender
- Arana vs Albiol — pace vs experience
- Vencedor vs Parejo — battle for midfield control
- Ezkieta vs Ayoze Perez — goalkeeper needs a big night
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Spotlight Players
Real Racing Club — Iñigo Vicente
The “Magician of Santander.” His vision and dribbling ability are La Liga quality. If Racing are to pull off an upset, Vicente will be the architect.
Villarreal — Ayoze Pérez
With Gerard Moreno likely out, Ayoze carries the scoring burden. His movement and finishing have been sharp this season, and he thrives against defenses that leave gaps.
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Prediction
Real Racing Club 2–1 Villarreal
The “Cup Magic” is in the air. Racing are confident, playing at home, and facing a Villarreal side that looks defensively vulnerable and fatigued from European duties. Expect a high-intensity match where the hosts edge it in a thriller, possibly in extra time.
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Betting Insights
- Both Teams to Score — YES
- Over 2.5 Goals — Likely
- Racing Santander (+0.5 Handicap) — Value Bet (Double Chance)
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — Where to Watch
- Spain: Movistar+, Copa del Rey TV
- USA: ESPN+
- International: RFEF TV (Select Regions)
Real Racing Club vs Villarreal — FAQs
Q: When is the Racing Santander vs Villarreal match?
A: The match kicks off on Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 21:00 CET.
Q: Where is the match being played?
A: It will be played at Estadio El Sardinero in Santander.
Q: Is Gerard Moreno playing?
A: No. Gerard Moreno is ruled out with a muscle injury.
Q: Is there VAR in this round?
A: Yes, VAR is utilized in the Copa del Rey from the Round of 32 onwards.
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