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"  The introduction of new coach Nando Yosu last week failed to make a difference for Racing Santander as they slumped to defeat against Real Sociedad at the Sardinero.

The Racing board decided it was time to act ahead of the game against Real with the team slipping into the relegation zone and decided to axe coach Lucas Alcaraz before promoting Yosu from the backroom staff.

However, a 3-1 defeat left them deeper in trouble lying second from bottom of the table as Mallorca's victory over Albacete meant Hector Cuper's men leap-frogged Santander on goal-difference.The strugglers now face another tough test at home to Valencia, a clash which is set to be a big occasion for both Pedro Lopez and Libero Parri who are both on-loan from the Mestalla.

"There are still 15 matches to go and we are fully focused on performing better and moving up the table," said Lopez. In any case the worst thing that we can do is become nervous, we have to be more united than ever and support the new coaching staff."

Parri agreed, saying: "At this stage we need to retain our belief in ourselves and work together.

"If we do this then we are more than capable of surviving this season. I have to think of the game against Valencia as no different to any other, there is no room for sentimentality at the moment as we are fighting for our lives."

Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja believes that the Sardinero will be the ideal place for the team to get back to winning ways after last week's home defeat to Deportivo la Coruna increased the pressure on coach Claudio Ranieri.

"Racing Santander are up to their necks in it at the moment and we will have to play to our potential to get the victory," he said.

"It is the perfect opportunity for us to get ourselves back on track. Ranieri is in the same boat as the rest of us, nobody here is thinking whether he will stay or not and the football he is delivering is good."

Ranieri is set to retain Pablo Aimar after finding a place for him in the side which beat Steaua Bucharest in the Uefa Cup.

Racing have an abysmal home record, they have only won once in their last four home games. Valencia will be trying to get things back on track and should be too strong today. They have no problems scoring away from home, and have averaged two goals a game in their last three games. Valencia is the call!

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