Yassir Zabiri fires Racing Santander to first La Liga win with 21-minute hat-trick

Yassir Zabiri scored three times in 21 minutes as Racing Santander claimed their first La Liga victory of the season with a 3-2 win over Elche on Friday evening.

The 21-year-old Morocco forward, who is on loan from Stade Rennais, was handed his first start since moving to Spain and made an immediate impact in the third-round fixture.

Zabiri opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Elche goalkeeper Mateo Dituro made a costly mistake. Dituro had moved outside his penalty area and attempted to take the ball back into it, but failed to control it properly, allowing the Racing Santander striker to take advantage.

The Moroccan doubled the home side’s lead just five minutes later. He latched on to an excellent through ball, broke clear of the Elche defence and finished with his left foot in the 20th minute.

Zabiri completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion in the 36th minute, striking a powerful left-footed overhead kick to put Racing Santander 3-0 ahead.

Elche responded with two goals, but Racing Santander held on to secure their first league victory of the campaign. Zabiri’s three-goal performance marked his best display since arriving in Spain and moved him into the spotlight after a limited spell in France.

The forward had been named as a substitute in Racing Santander’s opening two La Liga matches against Villarreal and Getafe. He was given the chance to start against Elche for the first time and took it with a decisive contribution.

Zabiri joined Stade Rennais last winter from Portuguese club Famalicao in a deal worth about 10 million euros. However, he was unable to establish himself in the Rennes first team during the previous Ligue 1 season.

According to French outlet RMC, he made only six league appearances, most of them as a substitute and for limited periods. His loan move to Racing Santander has now provided him with an opportunity to play regularly and demonstrate the qualities that persuaded Rennes to sign him.

Zabiri also represents Morocco at Under-23 level. He has played twice for the side and scored two goals. He was also part of the Morocco team that won the Under-20 World Cup in October 2025.

The striker will hope his experience at Racing Santander gives him the confidence and match experience needed to return to Rennes next summer as a more established player. His first start in La Liga has offered him the platform to show his ability after struggling for regular opportunities in the French top flight.

For Racing Santander, the victory ended their wait for a first win of the new league season. For Zabiri, it was a breakthrough night that transformed a modest start to his Spanish adventure into a performance that will demand greater attention.