Yassir Zabiri scores hat-trick as Racing Santander claim first La Liga win

Moroccan forward Yassir Zabiri scored three times in 21 minutes to give Racing Santander their first win of the La Liga season, beating Elche 3-2 on Friday evening.

The 21-year-old striker, who is on loan from Stade Rennais, made his first start for the Spanish club and delivered his best performance since moving to Spain. He had come off the bench in Racing Santander’s opening two league matches against Villarreal and Getafe.

Zabiri opened the scoring after 15 minutes when he capitalised on a serious mistake by Elche goalkeeper Mateo Dituro. Dituro had moved outside his penalty area and attempted to return the ball into it, but failed to control it, allowing the Moroccan forward to take advantage.

Only five minutes later, Zabiri doubled the home side’s lead. He collected an excellent through ball, broke clear of the defence and finished with his left foot in the 20th minute.

His third goal arrived in spectacular fashion 16 minutes later. Zabiri produced a powerful left-footed overhead kick in the 36th minute to complete his hat-trick and put Racing Santander 3-0 ahead.

Elche responded after the interval and reduced the deficit twice, but Racing Santander held on to secure their first victory of the campaign. The result came in the third round of La Liga.

The performance represented a significant breakthrough for Zabiri, who joined Stade Rennais from Portuguese club Famalicao last winter in a deal worth about 10m euros. However, he was unable to establish himself in France last season.

According to French broadcaster RMC, Zabiri played in only six Ligue 1 matches during the previous campaign, with most of those appearances coming as a substitute and lasting only a limited number of minutes.

His move to Racing Santander has given him an opportunity to play a more prominent role. He had previously been used from the bench in his first two league appearances, but was trusted from the start against Elche and responded with a decisive contribution.

At international level, Zabiri represents Morocco Under-23s. He has played twice for the side and scored two goals.

He was also part of the Morocco team that won the Under-20 World Cup in October 2025.

The forward will hope his spell with Racing Santander can provide the confidence and experience needed to return to Stade Rennais next summer as a more established player. After struggling for regular opportunities in France, his first La Liga start has given him the platform to demonstrate his ability and make a case for a different role when he returns to his parent club.