Deportivo de La Coruña: From La Liga Glory to Lower-League Battle

Once hailed as the pride of Galicia and one of Europe’s most formidable clubs, Deportivo de La Coruña’s journey through Spanish football has been anything but ordinary. From conquering La Liga and stunning European giants to falling into third-tier obscurity and near collapse, their story is a gripping tale of triumph, turmoil, and tenacity. This deep dive traces the club’s rise, fall, and ongoing fight for redemption.

🔚 Hoxe remata oficialmente a tempada 24/25.

💪 Nós levamos semanas traballando e con moitas ganas da 25/26 pic.twitter.com/cN26jo7mIE

— RC Deportivo (@RCDeportivo) June 30, 2025

A Legacy Born in Humble Beginnings

Founded in 1906, Deportivo de La Coruña spent much of the 20th century away from Spanish football’s top tier. They briefly broke into La Liga in the 1949–50 season, finishing as runners-up, before settling into decades of Segunda División football. The club also endured third-tier spells through the 1970s and 1980s, a far cry from the glories that would follow.

The Turning Point: Lendoiro and "Súper Dépor"

Everything changed in 1988 when Augusto César Lendoiro became club president. With Deportivo promoted back to La Liga in 1990–91, a new era began. Under the guidance of managers Arsenio Iglesias and later Javier Irureta, and powered by smart recruitment including Bebeto, Mauro Silva, Fran, and Donato, the club transformed into a top-flight contender. In the 1993–94 season, Deportivo were minutes away from a historic league title, only to miss a last-minute penalty against Valencia — a miss by Miroslav Djukic that still haunts supporters.

Golden Days: Domestic and European Power

In 1995, Deportivo captured the Copa del Rey with a 2–1 win over Valencia, lifting their first major trophy. The team’s tactical identity took shape during this period: typically deploying a 4-2-3-1 system, they relied on a solid double pivot, width from wingers, and the creativity of Juan Carlos Valerón pulling the strings in midfield.

Under Arsenio Iglesias in the early 1990s, Deportivo adopted a more conservative and counter-attacking style. Irureta’s era from 1998 onward ushered in a more modern, balanced approach, with strong build-up play through the midfield and a high emphasis on possession. Players like Fran provided creativity on the left flank, while Mauro Silva protected the back line with quiet brilliance.

The early 2000s became the club's golden era. They finished consistently in the top four of La Liga, secured multiple Champions League qualifications, and won another Copa del Rey in 2002 by stunning Real Madrid 2–1 at the Santiago Bernabéu — spoiling Los Blancos’ centenary celebration. That same season, Diego Tristán won the Pichichi Trophy with 21 goals, underlining Deportivo’s attacking power.

The Sole La Liga Title – May 19, 2000

The peak came on May 19, 2000. Deportivo, led by Irureta, secured their only La Liga title with a 2–0 win over Espanyol at a packed Riazor. Donato opened the scoring, and Roy Makaay — who scored 22 goals that season — added the second. Donato later said, “We proved money isn’t everything. What we had was a team — united, proud, and fearless.”

This title triumph made Deportivo the first club from Galicia to win La Liga. It was a victory for organisation, loyalty and belief over financial firepower.

During this period, Deportivo were regularly ranked among UEFA’s top ten clubs. Their consistency in Europe, alongside giants like Bayern, Milan and Real Madrid, confirmed their place among the elite.

#OnThisDay in 2000, @RCDeportivo won their first-ever #LaLiga title! 🏆#LaLigaHistory pic.twitter.com/2llQvtWF29

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) May 19, 2017

Champions League Nights and Historic Comebacks

Their La Liga win earned a place in the 2000–01 UEFA Champions League, where they topped both group stages before being knocked out by Leeds United in the quarter-finals. But it was in 2003–04 that Deportivo created one of the greatest stories in European football. After losing 4–1 to AC Milan at the San Siro, they stunned the world with a 4–0 comeback at Riazor in the second leg. Goals from Pandiani, Valerón, Luque, and Fran lifted them into the semi-finals.

Valerón — the heartbeat of the side — was often described by teammates as "the second Zidane." His elegance and vision defined this period, as did the discipline of Makaay, Tristán, and goalkeeper José Molina.

⚪️🔵 Deportivo record one of the greatest comebacks in #UCL history #OTD in 2004...

😱 AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo (Agg: 4-1)
🤯 Deportivo 4-0 AC Milan (Agg: 5-4)#OnThisDay | @RCDeportivo pic.twitter.com/VQfw2EbmTI

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 7, 2020

The Fall: Debt, Decline and Instability

Despite their success, financial mismanagement eventually took its toll. By 2011, the club's debt had surpassed €160 million. Years of overinvestment in player wages, inflated transfer fees, and poor long-term planning created an unsustainable financial model. The Champions League riches were quickly consumed, and there was little reinvestment into infrastructure or youth development.

Following Irureta’s departure in 2005, Deportivo entered a spiral of instability. The board went through multiple managerial changes, losing their identity both on and off the pitch. Attempts to recapture success through short-term signings and frequent tactical shifts only made things worse. The club's dependence on television revenue and a failure to modernise operations left them increasingly vulnerable.

Deportivo were relegated from La Liga in 2010–11, returned in 2012, but went straight back down in 2013. Lendoiro stepped down that same year after 25 years in charge, amid growing criticism from supporters over the club’s spiralling debt and failure to adapt to a modern footballing landscape.

The club became a yo-yo side, bouncing between La Liga and Segunda División until 2018. That season, they suffered what remains their most recent top-flight relegation, ending their time among Spain’s elite.

Descent into the Third Tier and Near Collapse

In 2020, Deportivo dropped into Segunda División B, Spain’s third tier, after a COVID-disrupted season. Their fate was sealed without them even playing their final game. They remained in the third tier for four seasons and came dangerously close to slipping into the newly formed fourth tier in 2021, only surviving by a single point.

Remarkably, even in these dark years, Deportivo’s supporters filled the Riazor in numbers many top-flight clubs would envy. Average attendances exceeded 20,000, peaking at 31,833 in a 2024 clash against Barcelona Atlètic.

Supporters played a critical role during this decline. Several organised protests demanded transparency and change in leadership. Fans also mobilised to save the club from further damage through social campaigns and symbolic gestures like turning their backs during home matches or covering the Riazor in banners calling for reform.

The Return: Lucas Pérez and 2023–24 Promotion

On May 12, 2024, Deportivo finally sealed a return to the professional ranks. A 1–0 win over Barcelona Atlètic confirmed their promotion to Segunda. The match-winner? Lucas Pérez — a local hero who had taken a massive pay cut and personally contributed to his release clause to return to the club. “I didn’t come back for money or fame,” he said. “I came back because this is my home.”

It was a goal loaded with symbolism, scored in front of 31,000 devoted fans. Deportivo were finally back in the professional game.

Reading the story about Lucas Pérez has paid half of his own transfer fee of €500k to leave Cádiz in La Liga to join his boyhood club Deportivo La Coruña as he struggles to see them where they are now and wants to help them get back to LaLiga🇪🇸🥹🥹pic.twitter.com/vk42gCIGC5

— António Mango (@AntonioMango4) January 3, 2023

Key Matches and Turning Points

On 5 June 1994, Deportivo played Valencia at the Riazor in the final match of the season. They needed a win to claim La Liga. In the dying minutes, they earned a penalty. Miroslav Djukic stepped up—but missed. The match ended 0–0, handing the title to Barcelona. It remains one of the most heartbreaking moments in Spanish football history.

On 19 May 2000, Deportivo hosted Espanyol in a match that would decide the La Liga title. Donato opened the scoring and Roy Makaay added a second, sealing a 2–0 victory. The result crowned Deportivo champions for the first— and so far only — time.

On 6 March 2002, Deportivo travelled to the Santiago Bernabéu for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. On the night of Madrid’s centenary, Deportivo stunned the hosts with a 2–1 win. Goals from Sergio and Diego Tristán turned the night into one of Depor’s most iconic triumphs.

On 7 April 2004, Deportivo produced a miracle in the Champions League quarter-finals. After losing 4–1 to AC Milan in the first leg, they mounted a sensational comeback in the second. Goals from Pandiani, Valerón, Luque, and Fran delivered a 4–0 win and secured a place in the semi-finals.

On 20 July 2020, Deportivo were relegated from the Segunda División to the third tier without kicking a ball. Due to COVID scheduling issues, their rivals played while Deportivo’s game was delayed. Other results meant their fate was sealed before they could fight for survival.

On 12 May 2024, Deportivo faced Barcelona Atlètic at a packed Riazor. Lucas Pérez, the returning hero, scored the only goal of the match to confirm promotion back to Segunda. It was more than just a goal — it was a turning point in Deportivo’s modern history.

Former LALIGA and Copa del Rey winners and 🆑 finalists Deportivo La Coruña have been promoted back to LALIGA2, 🇪🇸’s second tier 📈👏 pic.twitter.com/AZrQLaShky

— 433 (@433) May 12, 2024

Fan Culture and Galician Identity

Deportivo’s fanbase is one of the most passionate in Spain. The club’s rivalry with Celta Vigo — "O Noso Derbi" — is deeply rooted in Galician identity. Even during their darkest years, fans never abandoned the team. Matches at the Riazor in the third tier frequently outdrew La Liga fixtures. "Deportivismo" is more than support; it’s generational, regional, and emotional.

🔵 Incredible scenes as 80,000 fans gathered to support Deportivo de la Coruña before their crucial match on Sunday, where victory meant promotion to the Spanish second division! 😱

➡️Former Arsenal striker Lucas Pérez scored the winning goal.

WHAT A STORY! 😳#deportivo pic.twitter.com/nWMZbqUEzm

— Football.com (@Footballcomglob) May 13, 2024

Legacy, Icons and Future Hopes

Deportivo’s contribution to Spanish football stretches beyond silverware. Their academy has produced icons like Fran and Amancio Amaro — who went on to become a Real Madrid legend. Lucas Pérez represents the modern-day spirit of the club: loyal, humble and fiercely proud of his Galician roots.

Many of the club’s former stars have continued to influence football. Valerón remains involved in coaching, Makaay works within Bayern Munich’s academy system, and Fran has dedicated himself to youth development. These figures ensure that the club's philosophy lives on, even beyond the pitch.

The #FCBayern world squad trained at Säbener Straße today, coached by Bayern legend Rudolphus Antonius Makaay 🇳🇱🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/fHMHwLeq1f

— Victor Catalina (@vcatalina96) July 17, 2025

Conclusion: A Story of Peaks, Plunges, and Possibility

Deportivo de La Coruña’s story is one of extremes. They became La Liga champions and Champions League semi-finalists, only to tumble into obscurity and near extinction. But through it all, the club's identity remained intact.

Now back in the Segunda División, Depor is stable, well-supported, and slowly rebuilding. With renewed leadership, a clearer footballing project, and the ever-loyal Riazor faithful behind them, the journey upward continues. One day, just maybe, "Súper Dépor" will rise again.