Racing Santander seal La Liga return after 14 years with 4-1 win
Synopsis
Racing Santander are back in La Liga after 14 years — a club that once fell to the third tier has stormed the Segunda División with 85 goals in 40 games, clinching promotion with two rounds to spare. Coach José Alberto could barely speak; the fans who kept the club alive through near-collapse finally have their reward.
Key Takeaways
Racing Santander secured promotion to La Liga on 17 May with a 4-1 home win over Real Valladolid .
Top scorer Andrés Martín netted twice; Asier Villalibre and Suleiman Camera also scored.
Racing lead the Segunda División by seven points with two rounds remaining.
The club scored 85 goals in 40 games — the division's highest tally this season.
Racing had been absent from La Liga since the 2011-12 season , dropping as low as the third tier before returning to the second division in 2022 .
Racing Santander ended a 14-year exile from La Liga on Saturday, 17 May, demolishing Real Valladolid 4-1 at home to clinch one of the two automatic promotion places from the Spanish second division. The result confirmed their return to Spain's top flight with two rounds still to play.
Key Developments
Top scorer Andrés Martín led the charge with a brace, while Asier Villalibre and Suleiman Camera also got on the scoresheet. The victory extended Racing's lead at the top of the Segunda División standings to seven points, making promotion mathematically certain.
A Season of Dominance
Racing have been the division's standout attacking side, registering 85 goals in 40 games — the highest tally in the league. Their defensive record has been less watertight, with 59 goals conceded, but their firepower has more than compensated. This is the third consecutive season in which they have improved their league position, capping a remarkable turnaround for a club that sank as low as the third tier during their years away from La Liga.
What the Dressing Room Said
Coach José Alberto was visibly moved after the final whistle. 'I'm very emotional, this is for the club and my family. I'm so proud, but I can hardly speak,' he said. Winger Íñigo Vicente dedicated the promotion to the supporters: 'This is for the fans, they were here for the club when it nearly disappeared. But we have been the best team in the division from start to finish.'
Midfielder Peio Canales, on loan from Athletic Bilbao for the season, added: 'I came here on loan for a reason, and what we are living here is very special. We have played well all season and showed personality, even when we have had difficult moments.'
What Racing's Return Means
Racing Santander last played in La Liga in the 2011-12 season, after which financial turmoil sent the club spiralling down the Spanish football pyramid. Their return is not just a sporting achievement but a vindication of a long rebuilding effort. The club only returned to the second division in 2022, making this a three-year climb back to the elite.
What Happens Next
With two automatic promotion spots confirmed, the remaining two La Liga berths will be settled over the coming fortnight. One further direct promotion place is still available, with the fourth and final spot to be decided through a play-off among the teams finishing third to sixth in the second tier. Racing, already up, can now prepare for life back among Spain's elite.
Point of View
From the third tier to La Liga in three years. The 85-goal season is a statement of intent, but the real test begins now. Segunda División firepower does not always translate to top-flight survival, and with a defence that conceded 59 goals, José Alberto will need significant reinforcement. Whether this is a one-season return or the start of a sustained presence in La Liga depends entirely on how the club navigates the summer transfer window.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Racing Santander qualify for La Liga promotion?
Racing Santander confirmed their return to La Liga on 17 May 2025, beating Real Valladolid 4-1 at home. The result sealed one of the two automatic promotion places from the Segunda División with two rounds still to play.
Who scored in Racing Santander's promotion-clinching win?
Andrés Martín scored twice, with Asier Villalibre and Suleiman Camera also on the scoresheet in the 4-1 victory over Real Valladolid.
How long were Racing Santander outside La Liga?
Racing Santander spent 14 years outside La Liga, having last played in the top flight in the 2011-12 season. During that period they dropped as low as the third tier before returning to the second division in 2022.
Who is Racing Santander's coach?
José Alberto is the head coach who led Racing Santander to promotion. He was visibly emotional after the match, saying the achievement was 'for the club and my family.'
How will the remaining La Liga promotion spots be decided?
With two automatic spots confirmed, one further direct promotion place remains available. The fourth and final La Liga berth will be decided through a play-off among the teams finishing third to sixth in the Segunda División over the coming fortnight.
