Deportivo La Coruña returns to Primera: congratulations, what frustration

Deportivo de La Coruña have just confirmed their promotion to the top flight. Nsongo, two goals in Valladolid. 0-2. Done.

And me, I'm a Sporting de Gijón fan, so I'm sitting here writing this. So you know where I'm coming from.

First things first: they deserve it

They spent four seasons in Primera Federación — third tier, in case anyone forgot. Lucas Pérez, who'd played for Arsenal and half the Spanish league, came back to A Coruña when the club was in pieces. Not for the money. Because it was home. He scored the goal that got them promoted to Segunda in 2024. And this year, with Yeremay, Mario Soriano and Nsongo, they've done two promotions in two seasons. That's not luck. That's graft.

And I know they've got history. The league title in 2000, the Mago Valerón, Djalminha, that 4-0 against AC Milan at Riazor in 2004 — the greatest comeback in Champions League history — and all the rest. You don't need to remind me.

I'm dying of jealousy. And that's it.

Sporting have been stuck in Segunda for years. This season we finished mid-table, changing managers, nowhere near anything. We're a club with history, with fans who pack El Molinón and give everything in every stadium. Just like Dépor's fans.

And that's why it hurts more. It's not that Dépor going up winds me up. It's that Sporting can't seem to go up. Dépor dropped to the third tier and found a way back. We've been spinning our wheels in Segunda for a decade without getting anywhere.

And besides, now that I think about it, I'll miss those away trips to A Coruña. Because visiting there was something special. The city, the seafood, that vibe after the match. That won't happen anymore. Because when Dépor play at home we'll be in Segunda, and when Sporting finally make it to the top flight — if we make it — you'll probably have European football on the go or something, it won't be the same, it'll be an equal battle, but not like it is now.

So there you have it. Congrats. Enjoy the top flight.

And watch out for us. Sporting will be back up there one day.

Or so I hope.

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