Javier Aguirre's first match in charge of Valencia Club de Fútbol ended in a 2-2 draw away to Racing Santander at El Sardinero, a bittersweet result that leaves the club deep in the relegation zone. Valencia took an early lead but surrendered it, needing a goal from academy product David Otorbi to salvage a point that does little to ease the growing pressure.
The draw leaves Valencia 19th in La Liga with just five points from eight games. Their recent form is a major concern, with five defeats in their last six matches, and they have now conceded 15 goals this season. Their next chance to climb out of trouble comes on Saturday, October 17th, when they host 10th-placed Athletic Club at Mestalla.
Dani Raba, who hadn't started a league game since September 2025, shocked the hosts by scoring for Valencia in just the 2nd minute. Racing Santander fought back, however. Yassir Zabiri levelled in the 32nd minute and Iván Martín Núñez put the home side ahead early in the second half, scoring in the 47th minute. With morale low, Valencia pushed for an equaliser. It was Nigerian winger David Otorbi, a product of the youth academy, who restored hope by making it 2-2 in the 65th minute, assisted by Javi Guerra, described as the mainstay of Aguirre's side.
The finale was frantic. In the dying seconds, Hugo Duro had a golden opportunity to snatch all three points for Valencia, but his effort missed the target. "The goalkeeper had to fly in added time to get a hand and clear a cannon shot from Pablo García," Javi Guerra said afterwards, describing another late chance. Goalkeeper Dimitrievski also made a key low save to deny substitute Pablo García, the Sevilla loanee.
Head coach Javier Aguirre, known as 'El Vasco', took responsibility for the patchy performance. "My error, I didn't read it well," he admitted regarding a key moment in the match. His team showed some attacking spark, but defensive solidity remains a major concern. The team needs points fast.
With this draw, Valencia adds a single point in their difficult fight for survival. Attention now turns to preparing for the clash with Athletic Club, a key home game at Mestalla where fans will be hoping for Aguirre's first win. The Mexican coach has a week to fine-tune his system and rebuild the confidence of a squad desperately searching for a way forward.
More detail at Record MX
Manager Javier Aguirre revealed how he reprimanded his team after the 2-2 draw with Racing Santander. The Mexican coach stated, "I gave them a shout in Mexican, with some swearing." Aguirre explained the dressing room was "furious" at not winning, a feeling he valued positively for a team sitting 19th with just five points.
