It is always a good bit of business to get players onto a lower wage...will help with finances in the long term. Keep up the great way Pauker!

Racing Santander have announced that they have completed the signing of Hector Simon, who will join when the January transfer window opens. This comes as a surprise for many, because [Hector] Simon is a key Oviedo player, who currently trail Racing by 5 points. The deal is rumored to cost £70,000 to £80,000 for the signing of Simon, who currently has possesses an injury, and will see the player earn £1,800 per week during his initial two-year contract at El Sardinero.


Much of the Oviedo fans have disagreed with the board to sell [Hector] Simon, with Simon playing 16 of Oviedo's matches so far in the season, while missing 5 through injury. The creative midfielder has also assisted 4 goals and grabbed 3 for himself, and this seems a 'tactical and political' move, according to Marca. Marca reported,"With Racing receiving a new influx of money with many of their players tying themselves down to lower-paid contracts, Racing manager, Raul, has decided to strengthen his 2 man midfield, and getting Hector Simon, an Oviedo fan favorite. Not only will they get a great player, they will also weaken their rivals, who trail them by 5 points in the league. Hopefully, this will lower morale in the Oviedo camp, whilst bringing a quality player to play at El Sardinero."


Raul, however disagreed to the article by Marca. The 'Racinguistas' manager said,"This isn't a 'political' move, but it is tactical, as we currently don't have a squad capable of playing more than 40 games in the season. Everyone knows Racing's financial situation, and it is not pretty. We aren't spending money just for the sake of it, it has happened in the club before, and look where we are now." The manager added,"Hector [Simon] is a very talented player, which we have been watching over the last 3 months. We could've grabbed him when his contract expired in the summer, but with [Racing] playing a lot more matches in the second-half, we needed someone to alternate with." The Racing manager sent a message by saying,"Hector [Simon] is a very talented player, capable of breaking into the team with a couple of performances in the pitch, so let this be a message to the squad, no one has their spot assured in the first eleven."

Nice signing
Hopefully he can help Racing get promotion!

Great one mate Good luck

@Pompeyblue: Thanks mate, he looks great

@Uni3s: Glad to see another member reading this story, welcome!

KEYNOTE: I've been absent for the past week, give a day or take thanks to not getting my hands on my computer, as I did not possess a charger, at least until it got today to my home.

Following the match against Coruxo at home, Racing can confirm that Enrique Corrales will miss about 2-3 months in the sidelines, following his injury during the game against Coruxo. Even though Racing finished the match in an impressive score of 5-1, Raul gave his assistant manager, Inaki Tejada, the press conference, as he raced to the hospital to see his players health.


Raul then revealed that his starting left-back, [Enrique] Corrales, would miss at least two months of Racing’s conquest to the Liga Adelante, Spain’s 2nd division. When asked about a new reinforcement, Raul replied,”We have Francis out as well, and we only have one player that covers both positions, so that’s one of the main positions we are going to strengthen in this window.” Raul added,”We’re looking for someone on the cheap, and someone that can definitely challenge Enrique [Corrales] for his spot.”


Raul also revealed the loss of Francis, his undisputed captain for at least 15 days. In the official Racing website, the statement read,”Francis, our captain, has suffered a wrist strain and will be out for the crucial match-up against Ourense, but he will definitely be available against Sporting ‘B’ in three weeks time."

Nice update mate, easy to read. Unlucky about the injuries though, let's hope you can replace them.

Two hard injuries, I'm sure you'll survive though

@Walter: Thanks, I might've got some new additions for the roster

@Justice: Thanks mate, it'll be tough but I think I can scrape through

Noja 0-2 Racing Santander S.A.D.

Wednesday 4th December 2013 | La Caseta | Att. 2,728

Segunda Division B1

Racing Santander XI: Mario, Francis, Juanpe, Soria, Echaide, Granero, Andreu, Nieto, Inaki, Miguelez, Bolado

Racing Santander opened up the month against Noja away, ahead of their tough fixture against Barcelona, at El Sardinero. Throughout the match, Racing enjoyed large times of possessions, thanks to the tactic Raul Gonzalez employed.

As the match went on, and Racing pressed for their goal, they got it in the 61st minute, as Andreu was given some space by the Noja players, and he cracked a shot of his own, leaving Tete rooted to his spot. However, Racing went on for more goals, as the previous month had seen their winning run ended by title rivals, Real Oviedo.

In the final minutes of the game, Ivan Bolado was given the chance alone with Noja's goalkeeper, Tete, and he finished his one-on-one with a nice chip, that led the Racing away fans to raptures in their section.

Subs On: Agustin, Ander Lafuente
Goals: Andreu (61), Ivan Bolado (77)
Noja Goals: None
Man of the Match:Andreu (Racing) 7.7

Racing Santander S.A.D. 2-2 F.C. Barcelona

Saturday 7th December 2013 | El Sardinero | Att. 22,124

Copa del Rey [4th Round]

Racing Santander XI: Mario, Francis, Juanpe, Soria, Corrales, Andreu, Duran, Lafuente, Gabilondo, Miguelez, Bolado

A packed stadium filled with Racing fans cheering for their team, they received Liga BBVA leaders, FC Barcelona in an entertaining match. Many Racing fans were feeling low about their chances against the team led by an inspired Lionel Messi, and Gerardo 'Tata' Martino

It was no surprise when Lionel Messi, labelled the best player in the world, opened the scoring in the 18th minute. With Raul seeing his team wasting clear chances, he decided to bring on Miguel Angel Nieto for David Miguelez, and his decision led to better play.

After the half-time break, an inspired Racing were pressing the Catalans, and Racing chants were heard all throughout the city. As the match wore on, a nice touch play between Ander Lafuente and Igor Gabilondo saw Racing equalize Barcelona in the 57th minute. Barcelona's manager, Tata, was yelling at his players, and for the first time in a very long time, Racing lead the Catalan outfit.

Igor Gabilondo latched on a pass by Andreu, and quickly chipped over Pinto, who had played all the Copa del Rey matches beforehand. Racing fans at El Sardinero were going crazy, but it wouldn't last for long, as Barcelona's summer signing, Cuadrado, brought the game back level in the 76th minute, leading to speculation about the capability that Racing and Raul have.

Sub On: Ion Echaide, Miguel Angel Nieto
Racing Goals: Ander Lafuente (57), Igor Gabilondo (71)
FC Barcelona Goals: Lionel Messi (18) Juan Cuadrado (76)
Man of the Match: Ander Lafuente (Racing) 8.3

Aviles 1-0 Racing Santander S.A.D.

Saturday 14th December 2013 | Suarez Puerta | Att. 4,165

Segunda Division B1

Racing Santander XI: Mario, Francis, Juanpe, Soria, Corrales, Duran, Granero, Lafuente, Nieto, Miguelez, Bolado

Aviles hosted Racing Santander in what was the first defeat for Raul Gonzalez's side in the season. With Raul playing a full-side ahead of the key match against Barcelona away, many of their fans were hopeful of a win. But, it was a match where the players look tired ahead of their heroics against the Catalan outfit of F.C. Barcelona.

Throughout the match, Racing looked sloppy, and exhausted, and Aviles took full advantage, when full-back Javier Casas whipped in a cross and Francis headed home the goal into his own net. That proved to be the winning goal that would end Racing's unbeaten run, and would give Oviedo a chance to get closer to the Segunda Division B1 leaders.

Sub On: Yeste, Nieto, Echaide
Racing Santander Goals: None
Burgos's Goals: Francis (59 OG) Man of the Match: Mario (Racing) 7.3

F.C. Barcelona 5-2 Racing S.A.D.

Wednesday 18th December 2013 | Camp Nou | Att. 37,823

Copa del Rey [4th Round]

Racing Santander XI: Mario, Francis, Juanpe, Soria, Corrales, Lafuente, Granero, Duran, Gabilondo, Miguelez, Bolado

Racing Santander started out the same team that they fielded at El Sardinero against Barcelona last week, and Barcelona fans were given a scare by Racing.

Racing started out the match with an Ivan Bolado goal, in which he scored a one-on-one against Pinto, with the striker scoring his 9th goal in his 14th appearance for Racing this season. Racing fans were given another big boost when Ander Lafuente scored a fluke goal when he volleyed down an Igor Gabilondo cross from the left-hand side.

Before the half-time interval came, Sergi Roberto kicked Racing fans in the teeth when he scored a goal in the 43rd minute, leaving them one goal shy of equalizing the game. Raul Gonzalez tried to stop the Catalans from ragging them in the second half, with the manager changing his formation to a 4-5-1, in an attempt to progress to the 5th round. However, Barcelona had other plans.

Andres Iniesta, who had been brought in the 1st half, scored a goal in the 54th minute to equalize the game, leaving Racing in a weird position. Juanpe did not aid to his teams cause when he scored an own goal, with the Catalans now leading Racing.

However, Lionel Messi, who had scored in the 1st leg, put the game into sword when he scored a brace in 7 minutes to leave the aggregate score in favor of the Catalans (7-4), to see them pass to the 5th round of the Copa del Rey.

Sub On: Ion Echaide, Miguel Angel Nieto, Yeste
Racing Goals: Ivan Bolado (16) Ander Lafuente (36)
F.C. Barcelona Goals: Sergi Roberto (43), Andres Iniesta (54), Juanpe (61 O.G.), Lionel Messi (69,76)
Man of the Match: Lionel Messi (F.C. Barcelona) 9.0

Racing Santander S.A.D. 5-1 Coruxo

Saturday 21st December 2013 | El Sardinero | Att. 13,332

Segunda Division B1

Racing Santander XI: Mario, Francis, Juanpe, Soria, Corrales, Lafuente, Andreu, Duran, Nieto, Miguelez, Bolado

Racing Santander hosted Coruxo in a match where Raul's side bounced back after two consecutive losses against Aviles and Barcelona respectively.

In the 2nd minute, Coruxo conceded a dangerous free-kick, in which Ruben Duran executed a fantastic play by passing the ball to Igor Gabilondo, who was left alone in the set-up to the free-kick. 2 minutes after the goal, Enrique Corrales was stretchered off, with loanee Ion Echaide coming on.

Racing quickly made incisive passes which led to Andreu's goal in the 7th minute. Some passes between Lafuente, Bolado, and the goalscorer, Andreu. Andreu would score another goal in the following minute. Yet again, Racing scored another well played goal, with Javi Soria getting the ball again, and the Racing players passing between each other, before Bolado assisted Andreu once again.

Racing slowed down in the following minutes, but had their fans in constant happiness as Ander Lafuente scored yet another goal in the 18th minute. The right-midfielder scored after 16 passes between the players, before nodding in the goal to make it 4-0 by the 18th minute. Once again, Racing calmed down, as requested by Raul, but they could not contain themselves from another goal before half-time, with Javi Soria scoring on his rebound after Fernando had denied him from a header.

Juanpe would have a moment to forget, as he scored an own-goal when his team-mate, Mario, tried to clear the ball away, only to hit Juanpe's back, and the ball to enter his own net. However, that goal would only serve Coruxo as a consolidation goal.

With this win, Racing have a grip between Oviedo, leading them by 5 points, but Oviedo do have a game to play.

Sub On: Ion Echaide, Miguel Angel Nieto, Francisco Yeste
Racing Goals: Igor Gabilondo (2) Andreu (6,7) Ander Lafuente (18), Javi Soria (40)
Coruxo Goals: Juanpe (85)
Man of the Match: Andreu (Racing) 9.4

An odd month, up and down results. Great Update though, with an awesome layout!

@Nathaniel: It was tough to take, especially leading Barcelona twice, and both blowing the lead.. Thanks!

Raul, manager of Racing Santander, has officially announced that Racing have signed Josep Sene and Kevin, from Real Oviedo and Mallorca respectively. Josep Sene and Kevin will join both the club in the January transfer window, when it opens in January 2nd, 2014. Josep Sene will join in a starting deal of £90,000, even though the deal can rise up to £100,000, depending on different clauses.

Josep Sene has been a key player for Real Oviedo during the first half of the season, which surprises Oviedo and Racing fans alike, for why he has joined their rivals. Josep Sene, has explained this in his first press conference as a Racing player. The former Real Madrid youth said,”Racing are a team on the rise, and with a manager in the rise. I didn’t even thought about it when my agent told me that Raul wanted to talk to me personally. He promised me a lot of things, and he’s a really great person and I hope I can aid his cause to get back to the Liga Adelante.”


Meanwhile, Kevin, the former Mallorca left-back, has joined in a £45,000 deal, a bargain for Racing fans. With Enrique Corrales out for at least 2 months, Racing have quickly strengthened this position, and they found a great player that they can rely on, at least until Enrique Corrales comes back. Kevin, who was playing for a Mallorca side that was 1st in the Liga Adelante, explained his reason why he left the favorites for the crown.

Kevin said,”It’s something that doesn’t financially aid me, but I want to be part of a team that I know has a manager that can take the team to bigger heights. Maybe I needed this change, and if it doesn’t work out, I won’t have any regrets.”

Superb going, not many score two at the Nou Camp! Unlucky not to get through, and two good signings there!

Can we see some screenshots of these two new signings? They sound like good buys to help Racing push for promotion!

P.S. Can't wait for Canales to come back