In a thrilling display of football at Riazor, Deportivo La Coruña triumphed over Albacete Balompié with a commanding 5-1 victory on Sunday, May 4, 2025. This match not only showcased Deportivo's attacking prowess but also secured their place in Segunda Division for another season with four games to spare.
The evening began with a moment of silence in memory of Jose Mañana, the founder of the first women's section of RC Deportivo, setting a respectful tone for the match. Deportivo, under the guidance of coach Óscar Gilsanz, entered the field with determination and quickly took control of the game.
Yeremay Hernández opened the scoring for Deportivo in the 11th minute with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box that found the top corner, sending the home fans into a frenzy. However, the joy was short-lived as Albacete's Jaime Sánchez inadvertently equalized just before halftime, scoring an own goal that leveled the match at 1-1.
Despite the setback, Deportivo's resolve did not waver. Just after the break, Jaime redeemed himself by conceding a penalty after fouling Charlie Patino in the area. Yeremay stepped up to convert the penalty, restoring Deportivo's lead to 2-1 in the 47th minute.
Albacete had a chance to equalize again shortly after, but a goal from Javier Martón was disallowed by VAR due to an offside ruling against teammate José Carlos Lazo. This decision proved pivotal as Deportivo seized the momentum and began to dominate the match.
In the 62nd minute, Zakaria Eddahchouri scored with a powerful header, extending Deportivo's lead to 3-1. Just minutes later, he added another goal to his tally, making it 4-1 with a well-placed shot from a cross by Yeremay.
The final nail in Albacete's coffin came in the 84th minute when Barbero scored, capping off a brilliant team play that showcased Deportivo's attacking fluidity. The goal brought the score to 5-1, much to the delight of the 15,459 spectators in attendance.
Throughout the match, Deportivo displayed a combination of skill and tenacity, with standout performances from Yeremay and Zakaria, both of whom netted two goals each. The team’s ability to create chances was evident, as they produced multiple opportunities, including a near miss from Yeremay who hit the post in the dying minutes.
Albacete, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with their best efforts thwarted by a solid Deportivo defense and some crucial saves from goalkeeper Helton. Agus Medina received a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Patino, further complicating Albacete's efforts to regain control.
With this victory, Deportivo climbed to 10th place in the Segunda Division standings, accumulating 53 points and solidifying their position away from the relegation zone. They now look forward to their next match against Sporting de Gijón at El Molinón on Saturday, May 10, 2025.
The match was not just a display of skill but also a testament to Deportivo's resilience and determination to secure their status in the league. As the players celebrated their emphatic win, the focus now shifts to maintaining this momentum and aiming for a strong finish to the season.
As the final whistle blew, the players embraced, knowing they had put on a show for their loyal fans and secured their future in Segunda Division. Deportivo's victory was a reminder of their potential and the exciting football that awaits in the coming weeks.
