Espanyol 1 - 0 Racing Santander

Espanyol v Racing Santander: Preview

Updated: April 18, 2009, 3:28 PM UK

Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino admits only a win will do from their Primera Division match at home to Racing Santander.

The Barcelona-based side appeared doomed to relegation just a couple of weeks ago, following a dismal run which had seen them pick up just one win since the beginning of November.

The Catalans remain bottom of La Liga, but four points from the last two games have renewed hope of a dramatic escape from relegation.

With eight matches remaining, Espanyol are six points from safety.

But, with virtually half the league still involved in the battle to avoid the drop, Pochettino believes the match against Racing at Montjuic is an ideal opportunity for his side to close in on the pack.

"We are all aware of our situation,'' he said.

"We can't worry about what's happening in other games - we just have to make sure we win.''

Espanyol beat Deportivo La Coruna 3-1 in their last home match and were desperately unlucky not to beat second-bottom Numancia in Soria last weekend.

Despite failing to score in that game - which finished goalless - Pochettino says he is happy with his side's current form and hopes his side can carry on along the same lines.

"Let's hope we can play like that against Racing and win the three points,'' he said.

Ivan De La Pena has a knock and has been unable to train with the rest of the squad this week, but may return to the starting line-up.

David Garcia is also available again after missing the game at Numancia, but Mari Lacruz and Angel Martinez miss out.

Luis Garcia is set to start on the bench once again. The Spain forward has been left out of the last two matches, but says he is happy to watch on if Espanyol survive this season.

"This club has given me everything; the chance of becoming an international, a Copa del Rey title and a UEFA Cup final; so I would happily not play another minute as long as we survive,'' he said.

Racing, meanwhile, have had an unpredictable season under coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz.

A win in last weekend's match at home to Real Betis would have all but secured Primera Division survival for the Cantabrian side.

However, Racing went down 3-2 to the Andalusians and remain just six points clear of the drop zone.

Racing are still 10th, though, and Lopez Muniz wants his side to fight "tooth and nail'' to defend their position in the table.

"We need to fight tooth and nail to defend our position and the important thing is to look up, not down,'' he said.

The Racing coach expects an evenly-disputed match on Sunday.

"It will be an even match with chances for both sides, although we know Espanyol will be dangerous because they shouldn't be down there at the bottom,'' he said.

Swiss keeper Fabio Coltorti will start in place of the suspended Tono, who was sent off against Betis.