Deportivo La Coruna edge Villarreal in dramatic win as Casado makes debut

Mark Casado made his Deportivo La Coruna debut as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck an 88th-minute winner to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Villarreal in the fourth round of the Spanish league.

The Barcelona loanee came on in the 66th minute at La Ceramica, with the score level at 1-1 and Villarreal pressing heavily in search of a decisive goal. Wearing Deportivo’s number six shirt, Casado was deployed in a double-pivot midfield alongside Amatoutchi.

According to Sport, the 21-year-old made an assured first appearance for his new club. He was effective in his challenges, maintained his usual commitment to defensive work and even blocked a dangerous shot as Villarreal continued to push forward.

Casado avoided costly errors during his time on the pitch, helping Deportivo withstand the home side’s attacking pressure. His introduction came during a frantic second half in which the momentum repeatedly shifted between the two teams.

Villarreal moved ahead after Adama Traore inadvertently turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear it with a header. The own goal put the hosts 2-1 up and appeared to leave Deportivo facing defeat.

The visitors responded, however, with Zakaria Eddahchouri restoring parity in the 79th minute. Aubameyang supplied the assist for the Moroccan’s equaliser before completing the turnaround himself nine minutes later.

Aubameyang’s late finish gave Deportivo all three points and capped a remarkable night for the club, which had fallen behind after Traore’s unfortunate own goal. The result also ensured that Casado’s first appearance ended with a victory after he joined Deportivo on loan from Barcelona.

Deportivo now have eight points and sit fourth in the table. Villarreal, by contrast, remain on two points and occupy 16th place.

Casado’s arrival had come with Deportivo under pressure as Villarreal committed players forward, but his positioning in the centre of midfield allowed him to contribute to the defensive effort during the closing stages. While his debut did not include a goal or assist, his display was marked by disciplined defending and a mistake-free performance.

The evening ultimately belonged to Deportivo’s late response. After the visitors were put behind by an own goal, Eddahchouri levelled the contest and Aubameyang delivered the decisive moment, completing a three-goal comeback and giving the promoted side a memorable win at La Ceramica.