Friendly: Aubameyang solo run decides as Deportivo beats Lugo 1-0

Deportivo kicked off their return to the First Division with a narrow 1-0 victory over Lugo in the traditional Vilalba preseason friendly, a result the club hopes will become a recurring theme this season.

A superb run and finish from Aubameyang proved decisive in a match that was otherwise tightly contested. The heavy pitch, limited space, and sluggish conditions hampered play throughout, leaving Antonio Hidalgo's side unable to translate their dominance into a more comfortable scoreline.

Match Summary

The pitch appeared pristine at first glance, but the ball quickly became bogged down, stifling Deportivo's ideas. The visitors fielded their most experimental lineup of the preseason, featuring several Fabril players and fringe squad members. Aubameyang was the only player carrying a clear starter tag—and he proved the most troublesome for a spirited Lugo side.

First Half

Zaka made an early impact, nearly scoring in the 3rd minute. From the resulting corner, Aubameyang came close to opening the scoring. These were brief flashes from a Deportivo side that struggled to build sustained pressure despite pressing effectively.

The attacking duo created several chances before Aubameyang finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time. Lugo also had opportunities, testing the goalkeeper with shots from the edge of the box before Deportivo's new star produced a trademark galloping run to score.

Second Half

After the break, the match opened up. Lugo's defensive structure showed cracks, and Deportivo displayed greater quality in possession but lacked the finishing touch to extend their lead. Zaka remained active and had two clear chances before the hour mark, by which time his attacking partner was Bil. Bil headed too high from a Kevin Sánchez cross.

The introduction of Mario Soriano and Lorenzo Amatucci gave Deportivo renewed composure and fluency, but the opposition goal continued to resist them. The team appears to be saving their goals for the upcoming European tour.

Match Facts

Deportivo: Ferllo; Samu, Comas, Barcia, Xabi Campos; Adrián Guerrero, Diego Villares, Gijselhart, Luismi Cruz; Eddahchouri and Aubameyang.

Also played: Leo Román, Ximo Navarro, Charlie Patiño, Nsongo Bil, Quagliata, Riki, Amatucci, Mario Soriano, Noubi, Kevin Sánchez and Quique Teijo.

Lugo: Embadje; Iago Rodríguez, Garriz, Pascual, Pepe Haro; Parrilla, Ulloa; Rufo, Álex Gallar, Chiqui; and Reinero.

Also played: Marc Martinez, Santi Samanes, Pol Moreno, Kevin Presa, Gabri Costa, Arturo Palma, Teofilovic, Buide, Mateo Muñoz and Simón Luca.

Goal: 1-0, m.46 — Aubameyang.

Referee: Gil Soriano (Coruña Committee).

Bookings: Chiqui, Aubameyang, Samu.

Incidents

The match was played at A Magdalena in Vilalba, with a full house of 1,500 spectators.

Source: La Opinión A Coruña