Analysis The numbers behind the result
Deportivo ride two own goals to flattering victory over wasteful Valencia
Deportivo La Coruña's 3-1 win was more fortuitous than dominant, with their expected goals (1.42) only marginally exceeding Valencia's (1.33) – a statistical stalemate that didn't reflect the scoreline. Two own goals (César Tárrega 13', Mouctar Diakhaby 59') accounted for 66% of Deportivo's total, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's 17th-minute strike their only self-created goal from 11 total shots. Valencia's 55% possession translated into better chance creation (12 shots to 11, 7 inside-box attempts to 5) but Umar Sadiq's 26th-minute reply was their sole clinical finish.
The key disparity came in defensive errors: Valencia's two self-inflicted wounds cost them dearly despite an otherwise even contest (5 corners each, 4 shots on target apiece). Aubameyang's early goal, assisted by Mario Soriano, gave Deportivo a platform to sit deeper (45% possession), while Valencia's triple substitution at 60' failed to spark a comeback. The telling metric was goals prevented: both keepers conceded -2.30 xG, but only Deportivo benefitted from opponents' mistakes.