Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored for a fourth consecutive LaLiga match as Deportivo A Coruna came from behind twice to beat Villarreal 3-2, leaving the hosts still waiting for their first win under new head coach Inigo Perez.
Villarreal had taken the lead through Nicolas Pepe after 19 minutes, but Deportivo levelled before half-time when Lusimi Cruz converted a pass from Aubameyang. The home side moved ahead again through an unfortunate Adama Traore own goal, only for Zakaria Eddahchouri to equalise moments later.
Aubameyang then completed the turnaround in the 89th minute, latching on to a loose pass in midfield before driving a right-footed shot beyond Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior. The result moved Deportivo into the top four, while Villarreal’s difficult start continued ahead of their UEFA Champions League trip to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Villarreal had begun the match having failed to win any of their first three LaLiga fixtures, drawing two and losing one. It was the first time they had endured such a start since the 2021/22 season, although they controlled much of the early possession against Deportivo.
Their pressure brought a breakthrough with their first effort on target. Ayoze Perez’s pass found Pepe, who capitalised on hesitant goalkeeping from Leo Roman and lifted a left-footed finish into the far corner for his second goal of the season.
Roman quickly responded with an instinctive save to keep out Alberto Moleiro’s effort from just outside the penalty area. Deportivo then produced their first shot on target two minutes before the interval, and it resulted in an equaliser.
Aubameyang, who had been Deportivo’s only goalscorer this season before kick-off, turned provider on this occasion. He found Cruz, who made no mistake from 12 yards with a composed right-footed half-volley.
After the break, Roman was again called upon to deny Moleiro and Pape Gueye. Villarreal continued to threaten and should have regained the advantage when Pepe was left unmarked 15 yards from goal, but the Ivorian sent his attempt over the crossbar.
Pepe was at the centre of the match’s main controversy shortly after the hour mark. His deflected free-kick dropped to Gueye, who appeared to score from close range, but referee Jesus Gil Manzano disallowed the goal after ruling that Villarreal players had interfered with the defensive wall.
Villarreal finally regained the lead when Deportivo debutant Adama Traore attempted to cut out a cross. The former Barcelona winger instead sent a looping header over his own goalkeeper, allowing the hosts to move 2-1 ahead.
Their advantage lasted almost no time at all. Eddahchouri had been on the pitch for only two minutes when Aubameyang played him through. He beat Luiz Junior at his near post to restore parity with Deportivo’s first shot of the second half.
The visitors then completed a remarkable smash-and-grab victory in the closing stages. Aubameyang pounced on a misplaced midfield pass, raced through on goal and struck a powerful right-footed effort past Junior in the 89th minute.
It was another disappointing evening for Villarreal, who will look to end their poor run when they begin their UEFA Champions League campaign away to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Flashscore’s Man of the Match was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Deportivo A Coruna.