Racing Santander and CD Eldense faced off on December 22, 2024, at El Sardinero stadium, concluding their match with a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The stakes were high for both teams as they entered the game struggling with recent performances. Racing was aiming to break their five-match winless streak, having lost heavily to Elche just days before, and Eldense was desperate to escape their relegation woes after similar misfortunes.
The first half was characterized by intense tension, with Racing appearing to control the tempo. The match saw its first major incident at the 32-minute mark when Eldense's Iván Chapela seemingly broke through with the opening goal. Unfortunately for the visitors, the joy was short-lived as the referee disallowed the goal following a VAR review for what was deemed a foul by Víctor García before the ball reached Chapela. Adding to the frustration, Chapela suffered an injury shortly after and had to be substituted by Nacho Quintana.
Despite controlling possession, Racing struggled to convert their chances, with Marco Sangalli missing desperately when he struck the post just before halftime. The score remained 0-0 when both teams headed for the locker rooms, with the downpour adding to the charged atmosphere.
After the break, Racing came out strong and took the lead through Jon Karrikaburu at the 61st minute. He exploited a defensive error from Eldense to score with precision, evading goalkeeper Ian Mackay. Shortly after, at the 69-minute mark, Racing extended their lead to 2-0 with another well-crafted goal from Andrés Martín, who found the net following a corner.
Racing seemed poised for victory, but Eldense was not ready to give up. With just five minutes remaining, Ricardo Grigore scored with determination to pull one back for Eldense, restarting their hopes for recovery. The match became increasingly tense as time slipped away for the visitors.
Then came the dramatic moment of the match. Unai Ropero, who had just come on as a substitute, managed to level the score at 2-2 with only seconds left on the clock. Coming off the left side, Ropero struck home with his left foot, completing the comeback and sending the visitors’ supporters wild.
Despite Eldense's shortcomings through the season, this resilience brought some joy as they left with a hard-fought point. The match ended with both teams sharing the spoils, highlighting the competitive spirit and urgency felt by both clubs.
Looking forward, Eldense remains mired near the relegation zone with just 21 points but takes the momentum from this match as they prepare to face Valencia in the Copa del Rey. For Racing, the search for consistency continues, as they hope to capitalize on the positives of this match heading forward.
Overall, the match was not only pivotal for standings but also served as a reflection of the fighting spirit shown by both teams, with plenty of lessons for their respective coaching staff and players to contemplate.
