Racing Santander 2 - Las Palmas 1

Racing: Ceballos; Mellberg, Ramis, Arzeno, Juanma; Julio Alvarez (Manjarín 46'), Colsa, Ismael, Amavisca (Espina 85'); Regueiro, Mazzoni (Rushfeldt 88'). 4-4-2.
Las Palmas: Nacho González; Edu Alonso, Alvaro, Schurrer, Paqui, Jarni (Angel 65'); Jorge (Eloy 65'), Samways, Josico; Guayre (Rubén 85'), Turdó. 5-3-2.

Team changes: Racing: No change / Las Palmas: Turdó for Eloy.

Goals:
1-0. 49. Colsa. Following up after mix up between Nach González and Paqui.
2-0. 59. Mazzoni. Picked up loose ball which deflected off Schurrer's leg.
2-1. 90. Alvaro. Header in crowded goalmouth after Samways free kick.

With their three closest rivals all losing, Racing Santander took advantage to close the gap and move off the bottom spot above Osasuna. Gregorio Manzano lined up the same eleven players for the fourth time in a row against a Las Palmas side that has gone off the boil recently, picking up only one point from their last four matches before this one. It was Racing's third home victory in a row after wins against Barcelona and Mallorca, and moves them within three points of salvation.

They didn't have it all their own way though, with Las Palmas the better side in the first half. However they failed to get the ball in the net when they had the chance, with Jorge and Turdó shooting wide and high with Ceballos beaten. Nacho González saved twice from Regueiro early on, but at the beginning of the second half the keeper was at fault for the first goal after a misunderstanding with Paqui left the ball at Colsa's feet only a couple of yards out. Mazzoni added a second a few minutes later after another comedy of errors from the Las Palmas defence, Samways giving the ball away and then Schurrer deflecting Colsa's resulting cross into the path of the Argentinian striker.

Ismael almost added a third with a shot which rattled the bar as the home side came forward with new found confidence, and although Alvaro pulled one back in the last minute, the result was never in doubt. The Racing fans celebrated as their team kept their hopes alive, although with only two points all season away from home they still have a lot of work to do. Las Palmas drop to fourteenth, and with the big three looming on the horizon they could be dragged into the relegation struggle if results go against them. With the club rumoured to be in financial difficulties as well, that is the last thing they want. Sergio Kresic has to perform miracles.