Racing return to La Liga with a draw against Villarreal

Racing and Villarreal shared the points in the La Liga season opener with a 2-2 draw at El Sardinero Stadium in Santander. The hosts took the lead thanks to Andres Martin's penalty in the 21st minute, and in the 34th minute Sergio Martinez doubled Racing's lead with a well-timed long shot. However, Villarreal responded with two goals in a row in the added time of the first half: first, Pape Gueye scored with a powerful long-range strike, and Nicolas Pepe equalized almost immediately after that. In the second half, the guests had the initiative and more time in control of the ball, but they could not restore the advantage - Racing's goalkeeper Julen Aguirresabala repeatedly saved the team. In the end, the opponents parted peacefully — 2:2. Racing - Villarreal - 2:2 Goals: 21 Martin (pen) 34 Martinez - Gue 45 Pepe 45+1