Affengruber and Elche also lose to promoted side Santander

FC Elche continues to wait for their first win of the new La Liga season.

The team of Austrian legionnaire David Affengruber loses 2-3 to promoted side Racing Santander on the third matchday. The center-back played the full match and witnessed a completely disastrous first half from his team.

Zabiri shocks Elche with a hat-trick

Santander got off to a much better start and had a great chance to take the lead in just the seventh minute. However, Jorge Salinas was unable to convert it.

Eight minutes later, it happened: Yassir Zabiri took a shot from distance and scored the opening goal for the home team (15').

Elche struggled to get into the game and was punished again just six minutes later. It was once again the Moroccan striker who remained composed in front of goal to complete his brace (21').

The "Franjiverdes" were completely off their game thereafter, and Santander rewarded themselves a third time before the break. Zabiri completed his perfect hat-trick in the 36th minute.

Elche wakes up late

After the change of ends, Elche showed character and pushed for a goal back. This came in the 78th minute through Buba Sangare.

Just one minute later, the visitors suddenly had renewed hope. Fer Nino rose high to meet a cross from Tete Morente and headed in to make it 2-3.

Elche threw everything forward in the final phase, but the equalizer eluded them. Affengruber himself missed the biggest opportunity: the Austrian legionnaire headed the ball in the third minute of injury time after a corner, but was denied by Julen Agirrezabala in goal.

Santander thus held on to their narrow lead.

Santander celebrates historic victory

For Racing Santander, the success is a very special one. The promoted side celebrates its first La Liga victory since January 15, 2012. Back then, Santander defeated Osasuna 2-0 away.

Soon after, they suffered a dismal relegation. Santander only returned to the Spanish top flight this season after 14 years.

With this historic win, Santander climbs to eighth place in the table with four points. Elche, however, remains stuck with one point and is still in 18th place at the bottom of the table.