Espanyol vs Racing de Santander preview - No let up for Espanyol

Espanyol boss Mauricio Pochettino insists his side have not relaxed ahead of Monday's Primera Division meeting with Racing Santander, despite their 5-1 win over Rayo Vallecano last weekend.

The hosts boosted their hopes of qualifying for Europe next season as a Kalu Uche hat-trick helped them to a thumping win.

Pochettino knows his side have to build on that performance if they are to continue their European push.

"The squad are very aware of what is at stake and what lies ahead," he was quoted as saying by Marca.

"I have not seen any relaxation after the 5-1 win against Rayo Vallecano. We know we have an opportunity to continue the positive feelings."

That victory was even more impressive given it came on the back of a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Real Madrid and ended a run of five games without a win.

Racing, with new coach Alvaro Cervera in charge, have concerns at the other end of the table and they go into the game third from bottom of the standings.

Racing have not won since January 15, a run of eight matches, and make the trip to Espanyol having suffered consecutive defeats to Rayo and then Barcelona.

The visitors, who have won just once away from home all season, are three points from safety and Cervera is targeting a return of six points from their next three games.

Racing host Sevilla and then travel to Real Betis after playing Espanyol.

"Six points would be a great return," he said in AS. "We could live with four for now, but any less would be a problem."