Real Racing Club vs Deportivo Alavés

Racing Santander's long-awaited return to the Primera División, after 14 years away, faces a real test on 12 September when Alavés visit El Sardinero. Both clubs have made bright starts: Alavés already sit among the division's top four, while Racing want to prove their promotion was no fluke against a side chasing European football. Racing opened with a wild 2-2 draw against Villarreal after leading 2-0, then beat Elche 3-2 behind a brace from Yassir Zabiri. Alavés have been sharper, winning two of three, including a battling 1-0 win over Villarreal built on goalkeeper Antonio Sivera's heroics. Mariano Díaz leads Alavés' scoring, while Nahuel Tenaglia has been one of the league's standout performers. History favors the visitors too: Alavés are unbeaten in six straight meetings with Racing, winning five and drawing six of eleven since 2005. With Racing backed by a fired-up home crowd and Alavés carrying real momentum, expect a tight, cagey contest. Our prediction: 1-1.