Yassir Zabiri scores late winner as Racing Santander beat Espanyol

Moroccan striker Yassir Zabiri scored five minutes from time to give Racing de Santander a 2-1 victory over Espanyol Barcelona, ending his side’s run of disappointing results and helping them move further away from the relegation zone.

The Moroccan international struck in the closing stages after Racing had fought back from a goal down, securing three important points for the Cantabrian club. His late finish completed the turnaround and strengthened his growing influence in the team’s attack.

With the scores level at 1-1, Zabiri capitalised on a corner inside the penalty area to send the ball into the net and put Racing ahead. The goal proved decisive, leaving Espanyol with little time to recover as the hosts held on for victory.

The strike also took Zabiri’s goal tally to eight for the season, underlining his importance to Racing’s attacking ambitions as the campaign progresses.

Racing respond after Espanyol take the lead

The match began with neither side able to find the breakthrough before the interval. However, Espanyol took the lead after the restart when Edu Expósito finished a counter-attacking move initiated by Javi Hernández.

Racing responded quickly, refusing to allow the visitors to build on their advantage. Five minutes after conceding, the home side restored parity through Belocian, whose powerful cross-shot beat the Espanyol goalkeeper to make it 1-1.

The equaliser shifted the momentum back in Racing’s favour, setting up a tense finish as both teams looked for a decisive goal.

Zabiri eventually settled the contest in the closing minutes, arriving in the penalty area following a corner to convert the opportunity and complete Racing’s comeback.

The result provides a timely boost for Racing, who had struggled to produce consistent performances in recent matches. The victory also gives the club renewed momentum as they seek to establish a more comfortable position in the league standings.

Pressure mounts on Espanyol

For Espanyol, the defeat represents another setback and adds to the uncertainty surrounding head coach Manolo González’s future. The Barcelona-based side had taken the lead but were unable to maintain their advantage, conceding twice as Racing turned the game around.

Racing’s ability to respond so quickly after falling behind proved crucial, while Zabiri’s late intervention ensured that the home side claimed all three points.

Attention will now turn to a major test for the Cantabrian club, who are scheduled to welcome Real Madrid to El Sardinero next Sunday.

The fixture will mark Real Madrid’s first visit to Racing Santander’s home ground in 14 years, giving the hosts another significant occasion as they look to build on their victory over Espanyol.

With Zabiri continuing to contribute important goals, Racing will hope their latest result marks a turning point after a difficult run of form. Espanyol, meanwhile, must find a way to respond after another disappointing outcome that has increased the pressure on their coach.