Had the rule been run over Deportivo La Coruna prior to their trip to Malaga, it would have yielded more positive conclusions; they would’ve been heading into their match buoyed after a late comeback against Athletic Bilbao and unbeaten in four. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case as they were beaten 2-0 at La Rosaleda on Saturday night.
On the face of it, the loss is but a small blemish on what has thus far been a productive start to the season, and the appropriate praise will be forthcoming.
Celta Vigo are, quite rightly so, being hailed as the surprise package of the campaign, with their somewhat unexpected top four challenge. But after staving off relegation in 2014-15, their fellow Galicians too are deserving of recognition for their form to date, which sees them circling the Europa League spots.
If a Spanish football aficionado woke from a coma after 15 years to hear of Depor challenging for European football, it’s wouldn’t shock them into a second one. After all, they were top of the pile in Spain at the turn of the century, back when the likes of Diego Tristan, Roy Makaay and Fran Gonzalez ruled the roost in Spain. They were far from perennial title challengers but certainly up there during that period of time.
As is always the case in football, things change and Los Turkos slowly slid down the table over before the inevitable drop. But now they’re back, and after narrowly avoiding the drop last season, they’re now looking to re-cement their place in La Liga.
Of course, bouncing back from relegation is far from impossible or uncommon, at least in Spain. Both Atletico Madrid and Sevilla were relegated that same season Depor won the league, and both are now in the upper echelons of Spanish and European football.
Villarreal were the last high-profile side to make the unforeseen drop to the second division, before bouncing back up and picking up where they left off with little fuss. Deport will be looking do the same, and convincing wins over Rayo Vallecano and Espanyol have helped their cause.
And just who do they have to thank for their upturn in fortunes? A good place to start would be Lucas Perez, whose name is sure to be on the lips of those at Riazor. The winger signed a permanent deal after a promising loan spell last term, scoring six goals in the process, and has already found the net five times with three quarters of the season still to play.
He was the only one of 13 players officially signed who cost them any money. Most of Victor Sanchez’s business comprised of loans and free transfers. Loanee Luis Alberto has impressed in his sporadic appearances, while Sidnei has been a rock at the back, playing every minute in La Liga.
Setting down the blue and white-tinted glasses, Victor’s side are unlikely to maintain such form, as evidenced by yesterday’s loss. They have already stumbled against struggling Malaga and newcomers Sporting Gijon and can only point to Valencia as an established force they have tackled this season. Many of the big boys still lie in wait, including Atletico Madrid, who are their next obstacle.
The side from A Coruna clung for dear life last season, and given their propensity for bouncing between the Leagues in recent season, there is every chance this campaign can get significantly worse.
However Deportivo are yet to drop outside the top 10, and if that were the case come May, this season would be considered a success.
