Cameroonian striker Nsongo Bil scored a late winner to help Deportivo La Coruña come from behind and beat Osasuna 2-1 in La Liga, giving the Galician club their first league victory since 5 September.
Bil struck in the 87th minute at the Riazor on Monday night, finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble to complete Deportivo’s comeback and end a run of six consecutive league matches without a win.
The result provided a much-needed boost for Antonio Hidalgo’s side, who had fallen behind in the first half through Osasuna striker Ante Budimir.
Deportivo struggled to turn their possession into a breakthrough before the interval, but showed greater attacking intent after the restart as they pursued a way back into the contest.
Their efforts paid off in the 64th minute when Mario Soriano restored parity with a free-kick, bringing the home side back into the match.
The equaliser gave Deportivo renewed momentum, and Hidalgo’s men continued to push forward in search of a winner.
Their persistence eventually produced the decisive moment three minutes before the end of normal time.
Adama Traoré initiated the move with an impressive run down the wing before delivering a cross into the penalty area.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang met the delivery with a header, forcing Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera to make a save. However, the rebound fell into the path of Nsongo Bil, who reacted quickly to turn the ball into the net.
The Cameroonian’s finish sparked celebrations among the home supporters and completed a turnaround that had appeared unlikely when Budimir gave Osasuna the lead.
For Bil, the goal represented his second in La Liga this season and another important contribution to Deportivo’s attacking efforts.
His decisive intervention also brought an end to the club’s difficult spell in the league. Deportivo had gone six successive matches without recording a victory, with their last league success coming on 5 September.
The victory over Osasuna therefore carries significance beyond the three points, offering the Galician side renewed confidence after several frustrating weeks.
Bil’s contribution will also be encouraging for the Cameroonian forward, whose late strike demonstrated his ability to make a difference in a closely contested match.
Having entered the final stages with the scores level, Deportivo needed a moment of quality and a quick reaction inside the penalty area. Bil provided exactly that, ensuring his team claimed all three points.
