Deportivo La Coruña Begin La Liga Return with Statement Win Over Valencia
RC Deportivo made a triumphant return to top-flight Spanish football with a composed 3-1 victory over Valencia CF at Estadio ABANCA-Riazor. The result, which came in the early hours of August 31, 2026, provided a sell-out home crowd with everything they had dreamed of during the club’s years in the lower divisions.
From the opening whistle, Deportivo played with the intensity of a side determined to prove they belong in La Liga. Valencia, meanwhile, struggled to contain the home side's direct pressing and left Galicia with no points and plenty of questions to answer.
Match Overview
The game began at a ferocious pace, with Deportivo winning a corner inside the first ninety seconds. It was clear from the start that the newly promoted side were not there simply to defend. Valencia grew into the half but were undone by a moment of defensive hesitation that allowed Deportivo to take a deserved lead.
The home side doubled their advantage early in the second period, silencing the travelling Valencia support. Although the visitors pulled one back through a well-worked set piece, Deportivo responded almost immediately to restore their two-goal cushion and put the match to bed.
Key Moments
- 22' (1-0): Deportivo’s rapid break down the left flank resulted in a low cross that was turned in from close range by Mikel Ordóñez, a summer signing who had already made himself a fan favourite.
- 58' (2-0): A poor Valencia clearance was punished with a crisp first-time finish from Diego Balentín, curling the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
- 74' (2-1): Valencia gave themselves a lifeline when Hugo Guillamón rose highest to head in a corner kick.
- 79' (3-1): Deportivo hit back immediately. A long ball over the top was controlled brilliantly by Iker Caminero, who slotted past the advancing goalkeeper to seal a memorable night.
Tactical Story
Deportivo set up in a compact 4-4-2, pressing Valencia aggressively in their own third. Their full-backs pushed high, pinning Valencia’s wingers deep, while the central midfield pairing of José Ángel Jurado and newcomer Nico Germán controlled the tempo in key phases. Valencia attempted to build from the back but were met with relentless pressure, forcing rushed passes and turnovers.
Valencia’s manager tried to adjust after falling behind, shifting to a back three in the second half. The tactical change created more attacking width and led to their consolation goal, but exposed them at the back for the decisive third.
Standout Players
Mikel Ordóñez was a constant threat, opening the scoring and pressing relentlessly throughout his time on the pitch. Diego Balentín's goal was a moment of pure quality, while veterans Lucas Pérez provided experience and calm in possession. For Valencia, Guillamón’s header was the standout moment in an otherwise forgettable evening.
Early Season Impact
The victory places Deportivo in the upper half of the La Liga standings after the opening rounds and sends a clear message to the rest of the division: the Riazor is a fortress once more. For Valencia, the defeat highlights their ongoing defensive fragility, and head coach Rubén Baraja will demand an immediate response in their next fixture. With the new season still young, this win already looks like one of the most significant results of the weekend.