Gorka Elustondo wants to secure Real Sociedad's survival against Racing Santander.

Relegation battle could prove decisive

Real Sociedad midfielder Gorka Elustondo is determined to secure the club's Primera Division survival on Saturday with a win which would condemn Racing Santander to the drop. Sociedad are nine points clear of the drop zone and victory against Racing would secure their place among the elite. It would be a notable achievement for the San Sebastian club after leaving it until the last day of the season last term to make sure of staying up. Elustondo told El Mundo Deportivo newspaper said: "Achieving safety is worthy of celebration. "It was a goal we set at the start of the season and it was not easy. But achieving it would give a huge sense of relief." He added: "The key is to secure the victory for the fans. And from there try to do our best with less pressure to score the most points. "We have some good games coming up so we need to get salvation and then play them as best we can."

Upward

While Sociedad appear on an upward curve, the same cannot be said for Racing, whose 10-year spell in the top flight is due to come to an end. They are 11 points adrift of safety with just four games remaining and even a win on Saturday might not be enough. Alvaro Cervera was drafted in as their third coach of the season last month, following in the footsteps of Hector Cuper and Juan Jose Gonzalez, but it has failed to stop the rot. Best Bet: Real Sociedad on -1 handicap - 11/2 - 13/10