Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s return to Spanish football could hardly have started better.
The 37-year-old striker has scored in each of his first four LaLiga appearances for Deportivo La Coruña, with his latest performance helping the newly promoted club secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Villarreal at La Cerámica on Saturday.
Aubameyang did considerably more than extend his scoring streak. The Gabon international scored the winning goal and provided two assists, meaning he was directly involved in all three of Deportivo’s goals.
His late winner took him to four goals in four league matches since joining Deportivo during the summer.
Deportivo also remains unbeaten after four games, collecting eight points from a possible 12 following its return to Spain’s top flight.
Aubameyang Decisive in Deportivo Comeback
Villarreal took the lead in the 18th minute through Nicolas Pépé, one of Aubameyang’s former Arsenal teammates.
Deportivo responded before halftime, and Aubameyang was at the center of the move.
The striker received the ball following another progressive pass from José María Giménez before setting up Luismi Cruz, who finished in the 42nd minute to make it 1-1.
Villarreal regained the advantage in unusual circumstances after halftime.
Adama Traoré made his Deportivo debut as a substitute in the 65th minute but scored an own goal just 10 minutes later while attempting to deal with a cross.
Aubameyang quickly helped Deportivo recover.
He created the equalizer for fellow substitute Zakaria Eddahchouri in the 78th minute, giving him his second assist of the match.
Then came the decisive moment.
A defensive mistake from Villarreal left Aubameyang with a clear run toward goal in the closing minutes. He took advantage, racing into the penalty area before finishing low past Luiz Júnior for the winner.
The goal was officially recorded in the 87th minute, with reports describing the decisive action as coming in the 88th.
Aubameyang finished the match with three shots, two key passes and a 9.1 Sofascore rating.
Four Goals in Four Games for Aubameyang
Aubameyang’s impact has been immediate since Deportivo brought him back to LaLiga.
He opened his account in the club’s 1-1 draw against Elche on Aug. 17, scoring in the 21st minute.
One week later, he struck again in another 1-1 draw at Málaga, once more finding the net in the 21st minute.
Aubameyang then scored his third goal in as many matches when Deportivo defeated Valencia 3-1 on Aug. 30. He scored in the 17th minute after Mario Soriano’s assist.
His winner against Villarreal maintained the streak.
That gives Aubameyang a goal against Elche, Málaga, Valencia and Villarreal through his first four appearances.
The production is particularly significant for a Deportivo side adjusting to LaLiga following promotion.
Antonio Hidalgo’s team began the season with consecutive draws before beating Valencia and Villarreal, leaving Deportivo unbeaten at 2-2-0 after four matches.
Saturday’s victory temporarily moved the club into fourth place with eight points.
Aubameyang Returns to LaLiga at 37
Aubameyang joined Deportivo during the summer after deciding to continue his career in Spain.
During his presentation, he explained that Deportivo’s history and the club’s ambitions were important factors behind his decision to accept the move.
It also represented a return to a league Aubameyang already knew.
He previously played for Barcelona during the 2021-22 season, scoring 11 goals in 17 LaLiga appearances after arriving from Arsenal.
His career has also included spells with Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Chelsea, Marseille and Saint-Étienne, among others.
Aubameyang turned 37 on June 18, but his first month with Deportivo has provided little indication that his ability to decide matches has disappeared.
Against Villarreal, his contribution went beyond finishing. He created Deportivo’s first two goals before scoring the third himself.
Four LaLiga matches. Four goals.
And after four rounds, Aubameyang has been one of the central figures behind Deportivo’s unbeaten return to the Spanish top flight.
