Gabon international star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made an immediate impact upon his return to Spanish football, scoring for Deportivo de A Coruña in their 1–1 draw against Elche CF at Estadio Abanca-Riazor.
Starting upfront in a 4-4-2 setup alongside Bil Nsongo, the 37-year-old veteran forward didn’t take long to display his predatory instincts. In the 21st minute, central midfielder Lorenzo Amatucci set up Aubameyang, who finished cleanly to give Deportivo a 1–0 lead and ignite the home supporters.
The goal underlined Aubameyang’s enduring quality and sharp movement inside the penalty box, providing an early boost for Deportivo’s top-flight campaign.
Deportivo held their lead through the remainder of the first half and much of the second, with Aubameyang leading the press up front before being substituted in the 84th minute. However, Elche found a way back into the contest when Marc Aguado found the back of the net in the 76th minute to pull the visitors level at 1–1.
Despite late pressure from both sides, the match concluded in a split of the points.