Aubameyang’s Opener Cancelled as Elche Fight Back for Riazor Draw

Aubameyang Lead Erased as Elche Earn Riazor Draw

Deportivo La Coruna and Elche opened their La Liga campaigns with a 1-1 draw at Estadio Riazor on Monday. Deportivo led at half-time through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but Elche’s greater control after the interval earned Marc Aguado’s equalizer.

Aubameyang Puts Deportivo Ahead

Deportivo made the breakthrough in the 21st minute, when Aubameyang converted a move created by Lorenzo Amatucci. The goal gave Antonio Hidalgo’s 4-2-3-1 formation an early reward against Elche’s compact 5-4-1 shape.

The hosts reached the interval with their advantage intact despite seeing only 38% of the ball. Deportivo recorded seven total shots and three on target, while Elche goalkeeper Leo Román needed just two saves before half-time.

Elche Seize Control After Half-Time

Elche took control of the match after the break, using possession and accurate passing to push Deportivo deeper. Martin Anselmi’s side finished with 62% of the ball, completed 637 passes at an 88% accuracy rate and won six corners compared with Deportivo’s two.

The visitors also created the more sustained attacking pressure, registering 11 shots and six on target. Deportivo had three shots on target in total, meaning the scoreline did not reflect Elche’s superiority in possession, chance volume or territory.

Aguado Equalizes to Share the Points

Elche’s pressure produced its reward in the 76th minute. Aguado scored the equalizer after receiving an assist from Gonzalo Villar, bringing the visitors level and shifting the momentum firmly toward the away side.

Deportivo had to withstand the closing stages, with goalkeeper Leo Román making five saves during the match. Elche continued to carry the greater attacking threat, but neither side found a second goal and the points were shared at full-time.

Standout Performers and League Context

Aubameyang was Deportivo’s standout performer, receiving a 7.6 rating after scoring the opening goal, registering two shots on target and creating one key pass in 85 minutes. Aguado matched that rating for Elche, combining his equalizer with one key pass across 94 minutes.

The result leaves Elche 14th and Deportivo 16th in the opening La Liga standings, with both teams taking one point from Round 1. Four yellow cards were shown: Ximo Navarro and Amatucci for Deportivo, followed by Villar and Umaru Konare Tounkara for Elche.