Sadiq scores but Valencia suffer defeat against Deportivo La Coruna

Nigeria international forward Sadiq Umar scored for Valencia, but his effort was not enough to prevent a 3-1 defeat by Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Sunday evening.

Deportivo La Coruna made the stronger start and took control of the match during the opening stages. Cesar broke the deadlock in the 12th minute, giving the home side an early advantage and putting Valencia on the back foot.

The hosts increased their lead only five minutes later. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found the net in the 17th minute to make it 2-0 and leave Valencia facing a difficult task before half-time.

Valencia responded through Sadiq, who reduced the deficit in the 26th minute. The forward’s goal gave the visitors renewed hope of completing a comeback before the interval and brought them back into contention after Deportivo’s fast start.

Despite Sadiq’s intervention, Valencia were unable to add another goal before the break. Deportivo therefore carried a 2-1 advantage into the second half, with the home side still in front after an eventful opening 45 minutes.

Valencia looked for an equaliser after the restart, but Deportivo continued to control the contest and prevented the visitors from drawing level. Their efforts to get back into the match ultimately failed to produce a second goal.

Deportivo then restored their two-goal cushion in the 59th minute when Mouctar Diakhaby scored. The goal completed the scoring and secured a 3-1 victory for the hosts, who claimed all three points.

Sadiq’s goal adds to his contribution for Valencia and underlines the role he continues to play in the club’s attacking department. However, his strike could not change the outcome as Deportivo maintained their advantage through the remainder of the match.

The result leaves Valencia to reflect on a defeat in which they conceded twice during a challenging opening 17 minutes. Although Sadiq’s response offered the visitors a route back into the game, Deportivo remained in control after the interval and finished with a comfortable winning margin.

For Deportivo La Coruna, the three-goal performance delivered all three points after they quickly established authority at home. Cesar’s opener and Aubameyang’s second gave the hosts the platform they needed, while Diakhaby’s 59th-minute goal ensured there would be no late Valencia recovery.

Sadiq was therefore among the scorers but ended the evening on the losing side, with Valencia beaten 3-1 in Sunday’s La Liga encounter.