Racing Santander are back in La Liga for the first time in six years after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Almeria in the promotion playoff final on Sunday. Captain Sergio Martinez scored the decisive goal in the 89th minute, sending the Cantabrian club into raptures.
Playoff Final Drama
The match at the Estadio El Sardinero saw Racing take an early lead through a penalty from striker Juan Carlos, but Almeria equalised just before half-time through a header from defender Sergio Akieme. The game looked set for extra time until Martinez latched onto a loose ball in the box and fired home.
Racing had finished third in the Segunda Division regular season, while Almeria came fourth. The two-legged tie was level at 1-1 on aggregate after the first leg in Almeria ended goalless.
Six-Year Absence Ends
The club last played in Spain's top flight in the 2019-20 season, when they were relegated after finishing bottom. Since then, they have been through financial difficulties and a change of ownership, with Mexican businessman Alejandro Irarragorri taking over in 2022.
Manager Jose Alberto Lopez, who took charge in 2023, has built a young and energetic squad that has delighted the home fans all season. The victory sparked wild celebrations in Santander, with thousands of supporters gathering in the city centre.
Racing will now join the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona in next season's La Liga, and the club has already announced plans to strengthen the squad for the challenge ahead.
