Racing Santander vs Villarreal Predictions: Odds and betting tips for Copa Del Rey 2025/26 Match - 17.12.2025

On the evening of December 17, 2025, El Sardinero in Santander will be a cauldron of anticipation as Racing Santander hosts Villarreal in the Round of 32 of the Copa Del Rey 2025/26. Kick-off is slated for 20:00 CEST, setting the stage for a matchup that pits a spirited second-tier side against a top-flight club eager for domestic silverware. Both managers, José Alberto López for Racing and Marcelino for Villarreal, approach this encounter with contrasting agendas: one seeks a famous upset, the other to cement continental credentials.

Keep an eye on Racing’s dynamic forward Andrés Martín, whose three goals in his last five matches have powered the team’s recent unbeaten run. For Villarreal, Ayoze Pérez has been instrumental up front, contributing two goals and two assists, consistently unlocking defences with intelligent movement and clinical finishing. Both will play pivotal roles in shaping the tactical narrative.

Villarreal’s recent away matches have produced an average of over 2.5 total goals, and remarkably, they have scored in each of their last seven games across all competitions—an indicator of their offensive consistency.

🏅Best bets for Racing Santander vs Villarreal at Thunderpick with a Welcome offer +100% up to 600€💰

Racing Santander vs Villarreal predictions

My best bet: Villarreal to win. Despite Racing Santander’s impressive home record and undefeated status across their last six matches in all competitions, Villarreal’s overall squad depth and recent attacking form make them the more likely side to progress. The Yellow Submarine have demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, as seen in their high-scoring contests against Real Sociedad and Copenhagen. Villarreal’s tactical shape under Marcelino, structured in a 4-4-2 with aggressive pressing from the front, should force errors from Racing’s backline. Moreover, the advantage of top-flight experience cannot be overstated.

Nonetheless, do not expect a one-sided affair. Racing are disciplined in midfield, as indicated by their high pass accuracy (81.2% over their last five matches) and a balanced approach that blends possession with rapid transitions. Caution is warranted as both teams have shown a propensity for fouls (Racing: 55, Villarreal: 76 in last five) and yellow cards (15 each over five matches), hinting at a combative midfield battle which could open avenues for set-piece opportunities. While Villarreal are slightly more dangerous creatively, their tendency to draw bookings could hand Racing more dead-ball chances.

Prop picks by me:

• ⚽Total Goals: Over 2.5
• 💥Both Teams To Score: Yes
• 🎯Total Corners: Over 8.5

Best bets this month available at Thunderpick

Racing Santander vs Villarreal Most recent H2Hs

In the context of previous encounters, Villarreal have edged Racing in both physicality and shot creation, but Racing’s defensive organisation—collecting more clean sheets—has historically narrowed the margins. Expect a closely-fought contest, reflective of tactics learned from recent Copa clashes.

🚨Read our full Racing Santander vs Villarreal stats for more analysis.

Key Stats

• Villarreal have scored in seven consecutive matches across all competitions.
• Racing Santander have not lost in their last six outings (W3 D3).
• Both teams average at least 14 total shots per match over their last five contests.
• Racing have conceded just four goals in their last five home games.
• Villarreal have averaged nearly 6 corners per match in their last five fixtures.
• Each side has picked up 15 yellow cards in their last five games, signaling an intense midfield struggle.

Racing Santander vs Villarreal score prediction: 1-2

A high-intensity match is expected, with Racing Santander likely to feed off the El Sardinero atmosphere. Still, Villarreal’s frontline led by Ayoze Pérez and supported by the unpredictable Nicolas Pépé gives them the edge in converting opportunities. Racing’s Andrés Martín could exploit moments of indecision in Villarreal’s backline, but ultimately the visitors’ firepower and set-piece routines may prove decisive. Expect a 2-1 away win, but not without tense moments at both ends.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Villarreal the favourite

The odds reflect Villarreal’s superior standing in Spanish football and depth of talent. While bookmakers favour Villarreal, they’re not disregarding Racing’s home form or the unpredictable magic of the Copa Del Rey. The value lies in a Villarreal win, especially given their scoring streak, but a draw remains a real danger considering Racing’s gritty resolve at home. Over 2.5 goals offers strong value given both sides’ recent attacking trends and defensive vulnerabilities.

Racing Santander vs Villarreal Over/Under Analysis

• Four of Villarreal’s last five matches finished with three or more goals.
• Racing have scored at least once in five consecutive home games.
• Neither side has kept a consistent run of clean sheets, suggesting an open contest.
• Expect intensity in midfield and set-pieces to raise shot and goal counts.

Racing Santander Preview

Racing Santander’s unbeaten streak is a testament to José Alberto López’s tactical acumen. Their latest outing saw them grind out a 1-1 draw against Leganés, highlighted by robust defensive structure and opportunistic finishing from set-pieces. Earlier, they edged Cadiz 3-2, showing resilience in high-pressure scenarios. Racing’s ability to control possession (averaging 81.2% pass accuracy) has been central to their positive run, and with emerging talents like Andrés Martín in attack and the diligence of Marco Sangalli and Maguette Gueye in midfield, they have the tools to frustrate top-tier opponents. However, their vulnerability comes when pressed—something Villarreal’s front two will surely exploit.

Villarreal Preview

Villarreal’s recent form has been a rollercoaster: thrilling wins against top-flight opposition like Real Sociedad (3-2), but also defensive lapses, most notably the 0-4 loss to Borussia Dortmund. The side is steered in midfield by the calm authority of Dani Parejo and the dynamism of Santi Comesaña, while Ayoze Pérez’s directness and Nicolas Pépé’s unpredictability provide constant threat in attack. Marcelino has instilled a flexible 4-4-2, emphasizing rapid ball recovery, vertical runs from full-backs, and calculated risk-taking in the final third. A recent 2-0 win over Getafe proved their quality against resolute defenses, though their discipline (15 yellows, 1 red in last five) requires vigilance against Racing’s counterattacks.

Our prediction: Who Wins?

As the TipsGG expert, I see Villarreal’s combination of technical quality and attacking depth tipping the scale despite the formidable challenge Racing Santander pose at El Sardinero. The main pick is Villarreal to advance, with a 57 percent winning probability as calculated by our proprietary AI engine. Nevertheless, Racing’s tactical organisation and home energy offer a credible threat of extending the contest—potentially taking it deep, but Villarreal’s extra gear in the final third should be decisive.

How to watch Racing Santander vs Villarreal

• When? December 17, 2025. Kick-off: 20:00 CEST
• Where? El Sardinero, Santander
• How to watch: Televised domestically on RTVE Play, International streams on Bet365 and DAZN Spain
• Favorite: Villarreal

Best football betting sites and Bonuses

More useful links for football fans

• Daily Football Predictions
• Football Teams Rankings
• Football Matches Today
• Current football tournaments
• Football betting guide by Tips.GG