Deportivo defeated Villarreal 3-2 at the Estadio de la Cerámica.

The LaLiga clash took place on 5 September 2026 under the lights of the Estadio de la Cerámica in Villarreal. Both sides entered the encounter looking to secure three points, and the atmosphere was charged as the home crowd anticipated a strong performance from their side.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were dominated by Villarreal, who broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Nicolas Pépé received a swift pass from Ayoze Pérez on a fast break and unleashed a left-footed shot from the right side of the box that curled into the centre of the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Deportivo responded before the break, and just before halftime their equaliser arrived in the 43rd minute. Luis Cruz, operating in the centre of the area, struck a right-footed shot that slipped into the bottom right corner, the move having been set up by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The score was level at 1-1 as the teams headed into the dressing rooms.

The second half began with both sides probing for the advantage, but the decisive moment came in the 76th minute when Adama Traoré inadvertently turned a ball into his own net. The own goal, confirmed after a VAR review, restored Villarreal’s lead to 2-1.

Only three minutes later, Deportivo equalised again. Zakaria Eddahchouri, positioned on the left side of the box, delivered a left-footed strike that found the bottom left corner, the effort again assisted by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The match was tied at 2-2, and the momentum began to shift towards the visitors.

The game’s intensity increased as the clock wound down. In the 81st minute, Villarreal midfielder Santi Comesaña was booked for a bad foul. Seven minutes later, Tajon Buchanan received a similar caution for a bad foul in the 87th minute.

Deportivo then seized the lead in the 88th minute. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had already been involved in two assists, capped the comeback with a right-footed shot from the right side of the box that finished in the bottom left corner, putting his side ahead 3-2.

The final minutes saw two further cautions issued to Deportivo players. Lorenzo Amatucci was shown a yellow card for a bad foul in injury time (90'+1'), followed by Yeremay Hernández receiving the same punishment in the 90'+3' minute. The referee’s interventions did not alter the scoreline, and Deportivo held on for the win.

Standout performers

  • Nicolas Pépé opened the scoring for Villarreal with a clinical finish after a quick transition, assisted by Ayoze Pérez.
  • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the most influential player for Deportivo, providing assists for both Luis Cruz and Zakaria Eddahchouri before adding his own goal in the 88th minute.
  • Luis Cruz delivered a well-timed strike to level the match before halftime.
  • Zakaria Eddahchouri restored parity shortly after the own goal, demonstrating composure from distance.
  • Ayoze Pérez contributed the assist that set up Pépé’s opening goal, highlighting his creative involvement.

Match facts

  • Final score: Villarreal 2-3 Deportivo
  • Scorers:
    • Nicolas Pépé (19') – Villarreal
    • Luis Cruz (43') – Deportivo (assist: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang)
    • Adama Traoré (own goal, 76') – Villarreal
    • Zakaria Eddahchouri (79') – Deportivo (assist: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang)
    • Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (88') – Deportivo
  • Bookings:
    • Santi Comesaña (81') – Villarreal
    • Tajon Buchanan (87') – Villarreal
    • Lorenzo Amatucci (90'+1') – Deportivo
    • Yeremay Hernández (90'+3') – Deportivo
  • Venue: Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal

What it means

The result hands Deportivo three points from a hard-fought LaLiga encounter, while Villarreal return home with a narrow defeat after conceding a late winner. Both clubs will reflect on the key moments that defined the match.