The match between Racing and Real Zaragoza at the Ibercaja Estadio could impact the balance of power in LaLiga Hypermotion. For Spanish fans, this is more than just another game: both teams approach the meeting with different objectives and significant squad problems. Racing, despite leading the table, is forced to play without nine key players, which could affect the result and even change the course of the battle for the top spots.
For the first time, Racing will play at Real Zaragoza’s temporary stadium, where away fans will not be able to support their team due to limited seating. This decision by the Zaragoza club has been in place since the start of the 2025/26 season and has already caused discontent among supporters. Under these conditions, the pressure on the players increases and the atmosphere in the stands becomes even more tense.
Lineups and absences
Five Racing players have joined their national teams: Puerta, Guliashvili, Eriksson, Canales, and Salinas. Four more — Mantilla, Pablo Ramón, Arana, and Manex Lozano — will miss the match due to injuries. This significantly weakens the team, especially since Racing had already lost to Real Zaragoza in the first round. Back then, Kenan Kodro scored a hat-trick, and the efforts of Puerta and Manex Lozano to close the gap weren’t enough to save the team from defeat.
Despite their personnel problems, Racing remains one of the best away teams in the tournament, having earned 27 points in 15 away games. The attacking leaders — Andrés Martín, Villalibre, and Vicente — continue to deliver strong performances, while coach José Alberto is preparing for his 149th match in charge. This milestone makes him third in Racing’s history for official matches managed, behind only Manuel Fernández Mora and José María Maguregui.
The Real Zaragoza situation
Real Zaragoza, on the other hand, is experiencing an upswing. In March, the team won two games in a row, defeating Cádiz CF and UD Almería, though they lost their most recent away match. The new coach, David Navarro, already the fourth this season, has brought fresh energy to the squad. The main threats up front are Kenan Kodro with seven goals and Dani Gómez, who has scored six times.
Real Zaragoza’s squad also features some familiar faces for Racing supporters: Soberón, a La Albericia academy graduate, along with Rober González, who played for Racing in the second half of last season before transferring to Zaragoza in the winter. Paulino, another former Racing player, is currently injured and will not take part in the match.
Historical context
Last season, Racing defeated Real Zaragoza twice — both at home and away. However, the circumstances are different now: a temporary stadium, no away support, and numerous absences in the lineup make the upcoming game unpredictable. For Real Zaragoza, it’s a chance to escape the danger zone, while Racing has an opportunity to strengthen its lead despite all the challenges.
As russpain.com points out, encounters between these historic clubs often prove decisive for the final standings. In recent years, LaLiga Hypermotion has produced surprising results when favorites dropped points due to squad issues or coaching decisions. In the 2024/25 season, a similar story happened to Levante, who lost ground in key matches because of injuries and suspensions. Such cases highlight the importance of squad depth and the ability to adapt to new circumstances.
