Aubameyang lifts Deportivo and deepens Villarreal’s doubts

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang decided a chaotic match in Vila-real, scoring two minutes from time to give Deportivo de A Coruña a 3-2 victory over Villarreal. The Gabonese forward also supplied two assists, helping Deportivo recover from two separate deficits.

Villarreal started more strongly, with Pépé and Gerard Moreno active in attack. Pépé opened the scoring after the Deportivo defence and goalkeeper Leo Román failed to deal with a through ball. Deportivo responded quickly as Aubameyang began finding space behind the home defence.

The visitors grew increasingly dangerous and equalised just before halftime. Aubameyang set up Luismi Cruz, who placed his shot from inside the area beyond the goalkeeper. After the break, Villarreal regained control and created chances through Moleiro and Pépé, while Román made a spectacular save to deny Moleiro.

Villarreal continued to press after Gueye had a goal disallowed for an infringement by teammates in the defensive wall. Adama then put the hosts back in front with an own goal while attempting to defend. Deportivo equalised again three minutes later through Zakaria, who scored with his first touch of the match.

Villarreal pushed forward for a winner, but Deportivo struck late through Aubameyang. The result extended Deportivo’s excellent start to its return to the top division, while Villarreal remained without a victory in the current championship.