Racing Santander 2-2 Valencia result, stats and report

Villarreal came from behind to beat Valencia 2-1 at Mestalla in a match that had everything: a penalty, five yellow cards, two red cards, and a stoppage-time winner from Georges Mikautadze. Valencia imploded when they needed composure most.

Racing Santander came from behind to beat Espanyol 2-1 at home in La Liga, with Yassir Zabiri scoring the winner six minutes from time to give the hosts a desperately needed victory. Espanyol's wastefulness in front of goal and a string of yellow cards told its own story.

Osasuna ended a run of four La Liga defeats with a controlled 2-0 home win over Racing Santander, settling the match from the penalty spot inside nine minutes before Asier Osambela wrapped it up late on. Racing offered little in front of goal and had no answer for Osasuna's purpose.

Valencia created five big chances and failed to convert a single one in a goalless draw with Athletic Club, a result that summed up everything wrong with a side that cannot turn desire into points. Athletic Club, organised and disciplined, took what they needed and left.

Racing Santander have conceded 17 goals in their last five La Liga matches and now face a Real Sociedad side that has won four of their last five. This is not a fixture for the faint-hearted.

Rayo Vallecano host a Valencia side riddled with injuries and short on wins. Saturday's fixture has the look of a match where desire and basics decide everything.

Valencia have won once in their last five La Liga matches and Villarreal have taken both head-to-head meetings between these sides. Something has to give on Saturday.

Racing Santander host Espanyol on Saturday afternoon in a La Liga fixture that pits two sides desperately short of form and shorter still on confidence. One of them has to win. Neither looks like they want to.