Valencia Battle from Behind to Earn a Point in Four-Goal Thriller at Racing Santander

Key Takeaways:

• Valencia moved off the bottom of La Liga after a 2-2 draw away at Racing Santander
• David Otorbi netted his first senior goal to secure a point for Valencia
• Racing Santander extended their unbeaten streak at Estadio El Sardinero to four matches

Early Goals and High Drama

Valencia ensured they climbed off the foot of the LaLiga table on Saturday by rescuing a 2-2 draw at Racing Santander, recording consecutive unbeaten away trips in the process. The visitors made an electric start in Santander, taking the lead after just 72 seconds through Dani Raba. The forward, a native of the city, glided beyond two defenders in the penalty box before steering the ball into the bottom corner and notably apologising to the home crowd in his celebration.

⚽ 2-2 | FINAL DEL PARTIDO

#RacingValencia https://t.co/cjsgxr4Uzc

— Valencia CF (@valenciacf) October 11, 2026

Hosts Hit Back as Chances Flow

Sergio Canales looked the most likely spark for the Verdiblancos, who had endured five defeats in their previous seven games. Despite his best efforts – including a shot fizzed just wide from distance and several dangerous crosses – the hosts were initially unable to hit back. Matteo Prati also missed the target from outside the box, while Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was called into action shortly before the half-hour to gather Yassir Zabiri’s long-range strike.

Santander eventually found the breakthrough when Inigo Vicente released Zabiri into the area. The striker kept his composure to beat Dimitrievski at his near post, registering a well-placed seventh goal of the season.

Second-Half Surge and Otorbi’s Landmark Moment

On the brink of half-time, Javi Guerra squandered a golden opportunity for Valencia, lashing wide from Jose Gaya’s knockdown. The second half began in much the same vein as the first, with a goal arriving inside two minutes. This time, the hosts went ahead for the first time when a deflection looped kindly to Ivan Martin on the edge of the penalty area, and he expertly volleyed home.

Despite starting as LaLiga’s lowest scorers with just four goals to their name, Valencia drew level thanks to 18-year-old David Otorbi’s first senior goal. After Dani Raba went close from Filip Ugrinic’s corner, Otorbi was on hand to tuck in from the edge of the six-yard box following a precise pass from Guerra, bringing the score back to 2-2.

Late Opportunities and Final Whistle

Both sides pushed for a winner, with Javi Guerra unable to convert for the visitors and Racing’s Andres Martin being denied by Dimitrievski. The Valencia shot-stopper also made a vital catch from a Jeanuel Belocian header and tipped over a well-struck effort by Martin as Racing pressed late on. Pablo Garcia even attempted an audacious shot from near the half-way line, but it drifted harmlessly over.

Ultimately, the match ended level, maintaining Racing Santander’s four-match unbeaten run at Estadio El Sardinero – all eight of their points this season have been claimed on home soil. Valencia came agonisingly close to snatching victory in stoppage time, with Hugo Duro scrambling a chance wide. The result leaves Valencia with five points after eight games, matching their lowest tally at this stage of the century.