Almeria — Racing Santander : Match Preview and Prediction for September 07,2025

Almeria’s Ambitions and Early Season Form

Let’s get straight to the point. Almeria is widely considered one of the prime contenders for direct promotion to La Liga. The club underwent a significant summer overhaul, completing around 30 transfer dealings, and coach Rubi now boasts a squad tailored for this specific objective. The team remains undefeated this season, securing five points from three matches, a commendable feat given that the squad is still gelling.

Offensive Strength vs. Defensive Concerns

Certainly, there are defensive concerns. Conceding four goals against Albacete or two against Real Sociedad B is far from ideal. However, let’s examine their formidable attacking prowess. Leo Baptistao and Adrián Embarba have already netted two goals each. Furthermore, the squad has been bolstered by the arrival of Talis, the most expensive newcomer in Segunda División history, signed for seven million euros. This acquisition underscores their serious ambitions.

Tactical Flexibility and Home Advantage

Issues in central defense due to injuries to Chumi and Nelson Monte are undeniable. Yet, Rubi is rightly regarded as one of the league’s top tacticians. He has various options, including Italian Federico Bonini and the promising youngster Pedro Fídel, while the club is also working to register the experienced Aridane. Moreover, the home advantage at their stadium cannot be overlooked. The season’s debut match attracted over 15,000 spectators, and similar attendance is anticipated. Their last encounter with Racing here resulted in a convincing 2-0 victory for the home side.

Racing’s Impressive Start and Attacking Prowess

The opposition currently sits atop the league table, boasting three wins from three matches and an impressive ten goals scored. Their attacking trident – Asier Villalibre, Andrés Martín, and Iñigo Vicente – is operating like a well-oiled machine. Almeria’s own coach, Rubi, has described Racing as a team “knocking on the doors of La Liga,” a sentiment that appears well-founded.

The ‘FIFA Virus’ Strikes Racing

However, there is a significant ‘but’ that overshadows these early successes: the ‘FIFA virus.’ Racing arrives in Almeria significantly weakened. A total of four key players have departed for international duty: Jorge Salinas and Sergio Martínez (Spain U-19), Peio Canales (Spain U-21), and goalkeeper Plamen Andreev (Bulgaria U-21). These are not mere rotational changes; these are crucial players.

Extensive Absences and Midfield Challenges

And that’s not all. Striker Juan Carlos Arana and Maguette Gaye are sidelined with injuries. This brings the total absences to six. Coach José Alberto López will be forced to significantly reshuffle his squad, particularly in the midfield, where Canales’ absence will be keenly felt. While new signings like Facu González and Gustavo Puerta have arrived, they require time to adapt, and facing a direct competitor away from home immediately is a tough ask.