Aubameyang scores but Deportivo held on LaLiga return

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored on debut but Deportivo La Coruna were held to a 1-1 home draw by Elche as they returned to LaLiga after an eight-year absence on Monday.

FINAL #DéporElche 1-1

🟰 Tablas en el estreno de @RCDeportivo y @elchecf en #LALIGAEASPORTS.#VUELVELALIGA pic.twitter.com/RZPfFwupXm
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) August 17, 2026

Deportivo are back in the top flight for the first time since being relegated, with Clarence Seedorf as coach, in 2017/18.

The 1999/00 LaLiga champions, who also reached two Champions League quarterfinals and one semifinal in the early 2000s, have also since spent four seasons languishing in the third tier.

They were promoted last term as LaLiga 2 runners-up.

Aubameyang scored Deportivo's first goal back in fine style midway through the opening half, killing fellow new signing Lorenzo Amatucci's long ball over the top with a magnificent touch before drilling a left-footed strike into the bottom corner.

🤸‍♂️ ¡Para esto vino @Auba, @RCDeportivo!

LALIGAHighlights | VUELVELALIGA pic.twitter.com/4P40dcHIfW
— LALIGA (@LaLiga) August 17, 2026

The 37-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona striker joined the club from Marseille in July and could be key to their hopes of preserving their LaLiga status.

Deportivo could not hang on for victory, though, as Marc Aguado's 76th-minute header grabbed Elche a point.