Umar Sadiq grabbed a goal for Valencia, but the Super Eagles striker could not prevent his side from falling to a 3-1 defeat against Deportivo La Coruna in Sunday's La Liga fixture.

Making his third appearance in a Valencia shirt, Sadiq was one of the visitors' brighter performers despite the result — pulling one back in the 26th minute with a composed right-footed finish from close range.

Deportivo's fast start

Deportivo took control of the match inside the opening quarter-hour. On 13 minutes, César Tárrega turned the ball into his own net from a corner, gifting the hosts an opening goal laced with fortune.

Four minutes later, Aubameyang doubled the advantage. Collecting a Mario Soriano pass, he burst clear on the counter-attack and slotted the ball home with his left foot to make it 2-0.

Sadiq's response gave Valencia a lifeline before the break, and the visitors went into half-time at 2-1 — still in the contest.

Own goal ends Valencia's hopes

Any momentum Valencia carried into the second half evaporated quickly. In the 59th minute, Mouctar Diakhaby turned the ball into his own net under pressure inside the area, restoring Deportivo's two-goal cushion and effectively settling the tie.

From that point, Deportivo managed the game with composure — holding their shape, absorbing Valencia's attempts to build, and protecting their penalty area with discipline.

The closing stages descended into a series of fouls and stoppages as Deportivo killed the clock and secured all three points.