SANTANDER, SPAIN — El Sardineros witnessed a classic Copa del Rey upset as Racing Santander secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Villarreal, defying the statistical odds in a match where the visitors dominated possession but the hosts claimed all three points. Despite Villarreal controlling 66.8% of the ball and launching 22 shots at goal compared to Racing Santander's 10, it was the Segunda División side that advanced with a performance built on clinical finishing and resolute defending.
Juan Carlos Arana emerged as the hero with a devastating early double that set the tone for Racing's triumph. The forward needed just six minutes to open the scoring, converting a right-footed effort from the left side of the six yard box after a precise assist from Mario García found him in the perfect position. The home crowd barely had time to settle before Arana struck again in the 28th minute, this time showcasing his versatility with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box that nestled into the bottom left corner. The brace gave Racing a commanding 2-0 advantage and forced Villarreal to chase the game for over an hour.
Villarreal's pressure yielded 11 corners as they desperately sought a way back into the contest, with Alberto Moleiro, Nicolas Pépé, and Georges Mikautadze orchestrating wave after wave of attacks. The visitors' dominance manifested in their shot count, but despite 22 attempts, Villarreal managed just five on target, highlighting their wastefulness in front of goal. Racing Santander's defensive organization, marshaled by Manu Hernando and Sergio Martínez, repeatedly frustrated the Primera División side's attacking forays.
The statistics told a different story than the scoreline suggested, with Villarreal dominating possession and chances but Racing Santander proving ruthlessly efficient. Racing Santander's goalkeeper Plamen Andreev was kept busy throughout, making five saves that proved crucial in preserving his side's advantage. The referee was equally active, brandishing seven cards in a feisty affair that saw tempers flare as Villarreal's frustration mounted.
The turning point came in the 86th minute when Ayoze Pérez finally breached Racing's resistance, firing a right-footed shot from the left side of the six yard box to the centre of the goal. The late strike set up a nervy finale with seven minutes of added time, during which Villarreal threw everything forward. Santi Comesaña's header sailed over the bar in the 90th minute, and Racing survived one final scare when Arnau Tenas denied Manu Hernando's effort in the dying moments, but the hosts held firm to complete a memorable giant-killing.
Looking ahead, Racing Santander will travel to face Huesca on December 20, while Villarreal host Barcelona on December 20.