Deportivo La Coruna’s long-awaited return to La Liga began with a night of celebration, but the newly promoted side could not finish it with three points.
In front of 29,038 supporters at Estadio de Riazor, Deportivo welcomed top-flight football back to the stadium for the first time in eight years. And there was an immediate reason for the home fans to celebrate.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang marked his first appearance for the club with a brilliant goal after just 21 minutes, but Elche eventually fought back to earn a 1-1 draw.
Here’s everything you need to know about Deportivo’s Liga comeback and Aubameyang’s impressive debut.
Quick Match Overview
| Competition | La Liga |
|---|---|
| Match | Deportivo La Coruna vs Elche |
| Venue | Estadio de Riazor |
| Attendance | 29,038 |
| Half-Time Score | Deportivo 1-0 Elche |
| Final Score | Deportivo 1-1 Elche |
| Deportivo Scorer | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang |
| Elche Scorer | Marc Aguado |
Aubameyang Makes Instant Impact
Deportivo supporters did not have to wait long for their new striker to introduce himself.
After only 21 minutes, Aubameyang produced a superb piece of individual quality to put Deportivo ahead.
The former Marseille forward completed an impressive attacking move before finishing to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
For a player making his debut, it was almost the perfect introduction.
The goal immediately turned Riazor into a party as Deportivo celebrated their return to Spain’s top division.
Eight Years Later, Deportivo Are Back
The match represented a huge moment for Deportivo La Coruna.
The club, champions of Spain in 2000, had spent eight years away from La Liga before finally returning to the top flight.
That made the atmosphere inside Riazor particularly special.
A crowd of 29,038 supporters watched their team begin a new chapter against Elche, with the home fans hoping their side could mark the occasion with victory.
Deportivo Hold Their Lead for More Than an Hour
Aubameyang’s goal gave Deportivo something valuable to protect.
The hosts remained in front for much of the match and looked capable of securing all three points on their return to the division.
Elche, however, continued to search for an equaliser.
The visitors eventually found their breakthrough in the 76th minute, when Marc Aguado headed the ball into the net.
The goal completely changed the mood inside Riazor.
What had looked like a dream return for Deportivo suddenly became a battle to rescue a point.
Aguado’s Header Changes Everything
Aguado’s equaliser came through a header, cancelling out Aubameyang’s spectacular first-half effort.
Deportivo had held the advantage for around 55 minutes, but they were unable to restore their lead during the final stages.
The match eventually finished 1-1, giving both sides a point from the opening fixture.
A Positive Start Despite the Disappointment
Deportivo will understandably feel that they could have taken more from the game.
After taking the lead through Aubameyang, the home side had the advantage for a long period and came within 15 minutes of securing victory.
Nevertheless, beginning a long-awaited La Liga campaign with a point is hardly a disaster.
More importantly, Aubameyang’s debut provides Deportivo with an early glimpse of what their new attacking weapon can offer.
If the striker can continue producing moments of quality like his opening goal, he could become one of the key figures in Deportivo’s battle to remain in the top flight.
Aubameyang’s Perfect Introduction
For Aubameyang personally, the evening could hardly have started better.
The Gabon international immediately showed why Deportivo were keen to add his experience and attacking quality to their squad.
Scoring on his first appearance gives him confidence and gives the supporters an early connection with their new forward.
His spectacular finish will also be remembered as one of the highlights of Deportivo’s first game back in La Liga.
Key Takeaways
- Deportivo La Coruna returned to La Liga after eight years away.
- The club played in front of 29,038 supporters at Riazor.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored on his Deportivo debut.
- Aubameyang gave Deportivo a 1-0 lead after 21 minutes.
- Marc Aguado equalised for Elche in the 76th minute.
- The match finished 1-1.
- Deportivo will take encouragement from their performance despite missing out on victory.
Final Thoughts
Deportivo La Coruna’s return to La Liga delivered exactly the kind of emotional night their supporters had been waiting for.
The atmosphere at Riazor was already special before kick-off, but Aubameyang made it even better by producing a brilliant goal just 21 minutes into his debut.
Elche’s late equaliser prevented Deportivo from completing the perfect comeback story, but there are plenty of positives for the newly promoted side.
For Aubameyang, meanwhile, scoring on his first night in the famous blue-and-white shirt is the kind of beginning that can set the tone for an entire season.
Deportivo are back in La Liga, Aubameyang is already on the scoresheet, and the new chapter has officially begun.
