Deportivo fight back twice as Aubameyang extends scoring run to sink Villarreal
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored in a fourth consecutive LaLiga match as Deportivo La Coruna came from behind twice to beat Villarreal 3-2 in a dramatic finish.
The late win lifts Deportivo into the top four, while Villarreal remain without a victory under new coach Inigo Perez after another frustrating night.
Match highlight
Villarreal began with plenty of control. Despite going winless in their opening three league matches, they dominated possession early and took the lead with their first shot on target in the 19th minute. Nicolas Pepe took advantage of hesitation from Deportivo goalkeeper Leo Roman, collected Ayoze Perez’s pass and curled a left-footed finish into the far corner for his second goal of the season.
Roman quickly made amends. He produced an excellent save to deny Alberto Moleiro from outside the box, but Deportivo found their equaliser 2 minutes before half-time with their first shot on target.
Aubameyang, who had been Deportivo’s only scorer before this match, turned provider. He set up Lusimi Cruz, who struck a clean right-footed half-volley from around 12 metres to bring the visitors level.
After the break, Roman stayed busy again, stopping efforts from both Moleiro and Pape Gueye. Pepe then wasted a huge chance to restore Villarreal’s lead, firing over from 15 metres despite being completely unmarked.
The Ivory Coast winger was also involved in the game’s major controversy shortly after the hour.
His deflected free-kick fell to Gueye, who finished from close range, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano ruled the goal out after deciding Villarreal players had interfered with Deportivo’s defensive wall.
Villarreal eventually did regain the lead, although it came in painful fashion for Deportivo debutant Adama Traore. Trying to deal with a cross, the former Barcelona winger headed the ball over Roman and into his own net.
But Deportivo responded almost immediately. Zakaria Eddahchouri had only been on the pitch for 2 minutes when Aubameyang found him with a pass. The substitute then beat Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior at his near post with Deportivo’s first shot of the second half.
The comeback was completed in the 89th minute. Aubameyang pounced on a loose pass in midfield, drove forward and fired a right-footed finish beyond Junior to complete a huge turnaround for Deportivo.
It was another difficult evening for Villarreal, who now turn their attention to a tough Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday in search of a response.
