Struggling Real Sociedad showed plenty of promise in their 1-1 draw with Real Madrid last weekend and they will look to build on that for the clash with Racing Santander.

The Basque side held their own against Madrid although they needed a gift from goalkeeper Iker Casillas to claim an equaliser.

Their performance demonstrated the club have the talent to avoid relegation but they will have to turn this into points quickly as they are still encamped inside the relegation zone.

Their biggest reason for hope is Mark Gonzalez, who has taken the Spanish top-flight by storm since his loan move from Liverpool in January.

He produced a virtuoso display against Madrid and was a constant threat to Casillas, before eventually being on hand to capitalise on the keeper's error.

Caretaker coach Jose Mari Bakero sees the match against Racing as another important fixture but is not getting carried away.

"This is another key game but we also have five more after this," he said.

"The team has recovered its competitive edge and has improved in the last two weeks. On an individual level we have re-discovered our form with the ball.

"This is one more game and whatever happens we will still be alive afterwards.

"We have to be patient and play the match with intelligence - they have picked up a lot of points away from home and have a great spirit in their team.

"They always wait for their moments and play a direct style on the counter-attack. When they do not have the ball they defend with a lot of players back."

Bakero refused to give any clues as to the line-up he would field.

"There are always different possibilities," he said. "And whether you are playing at home or away can lead to changes. For me though I prefer to concentrate on our own play."

Recent poor form has seen Racing slip into the relegation battle and coach Manolo Preciado believes that his team must up their concentration levels against Sociedad.

"It is going to be a difficult match but even if we get a victory then nothing will have been assured," he said.

"We would be nearer to safety and from there we would have to keep picking up points.

"Real are a side who are strong at home and have struggled more away, which is different to our own form.

"Recently though they have improved a lot and they have an impressive forward line who we have to be careful of."