Racing vs Villarreal prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, August 16, 2026
In the first round of La Liga on August 16, 2026, Racing will face Villarreal. Each side wants to please their fans.
Racing vs Villarreal: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Santander hasn't played in La Liga since 2012 and has even dropped to Spain's third division on several occasions. However, they have gradually improved in recent years. In the 2025/2026 season, they made significant progress, jumping from fifth to first place with 82 points—this allowed them to return to the top flight after a fourteen-year break.
The team from the suburbs of Valencia managed to qualify for the Champions League again last season. Moreover, they climbed from fifth to third place. Nevertheless, Marcelino was dismissed from his coaching position and replaced by Iñigo Pérez, who was lured away from Rayo Vallecano.
The newly-promoted side were deserved leaders at a lower level: they scored an average of 2.14 goals and conceded a third less—1.45. Their ambitious visitors were slightly less spectacular: with 1.89 goals scored per game, while conceding 1.21 in response.
Previous Matches: Racing vs Villarreal
After Villarreal's couple of wins in the 2012/2013 Segunda, there was only one cup meeting at the end of last year. On that occasion, the hosts in Santander won 2-1.
Currently, more faith is being placed in the visitors, though they now have a new manager and a different squad. So, as a precaution, we suggest a draw-no-bet on them (odds – 1.71).
Racing vs Villarreal: Key Stats and Trends
- Racing have lost three of their last five matches
- Villarreal have won four times in their last six games
Racing vs Villarreal: Probable Starting Lineups
Racing play with a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Esquieta - Alvear, Castro, Mantilla, Sangalli - Aldasoro, Sainz-Maza - Vicente, Canales, Martin - Arana
Villarreal play with a 1-4-4-2 formation (possible lineup): Luis Junior - Cardona, Navarro, Kambwala, Mourinho - Moleiro, Masia, Diatta, Nisar - Pérez, Mikautadze
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's progress in the La Liga standings
