Aubameyang scores on Deportivo La Coruna return as Elche claim a point

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang marked his return to the Spanish league with a goal as Deportivo La Coruna were held to a 1-1 draw by Elche in the opening round of the season.

The match took place at Riazor, the home of Deportivo La Coruna, who have returned to the league after several years away. The result gave both sides their first point of the campaign, although neither could hold on for victory after taking the lead at different stages of the match.

Aubameyang, making his Deportivo debut after joining the club from Olympique de Marseille, opened the scoring in the 21st minute. The forward received a pass from Lorenzo Amatouchi before producing a composed finish to send the ball into the net.

It was a notable first appearance for Aubameyang in Deportivo colours, with the former Olympique de Marseille player immediately making an impact in front of the home support at Riazor. His goal put the newly returned side in control during the first half and gave Deportivo a platform from which to pursue victory in their first league fixture.

Elche continued to compete for a way back into the match and eventually found an equaliser with 14 minutes of normal time remaining. Mark Aguado scored in the 76th minute after being set up by Gonzalo Villar, bringing the visitors level.

Neither team was able to find a second goal before the final whistle, leaving the opening-round contest evenly balanced at 1-1. Deportivo and Elche therefore begin the season with one point apiece.

For Deportivo, the fixture represented both a return to league football at Riazor and the beginning of Aubameyang’s time with the club. The striker’s early goal provided a positive moment on a night when his side ultimately had to settle for a draw.

Deportivo La Coruna will be away from home in their next match, when they face Malaga. Elche, meanwhile, will play their next fixture at home against Barcelona on Sunday, 23 August.

The meeting with Barcelona will give Elche the chance to build on their opening-day point in front of their own supporters. Deportivo will be seeking their first win of the season when they travel to Malaga, while both clubs will take confidence from having avoided defeat in their opening league matches.