Nsongo's late winner turned a draw into three points

Deportivo had more of the ball and the better chances, but it was a late winner that gave them the points over Osasuna.

Bil Nsongo's goal in the 87th minute turned a level game at Riazor into a 2-1 win for Deportivo La Coruna over Osasuna. Mario Soriano had equalised shortly after the hour, so the match had been balanced for more than twenty minutes when Nsongo struck. Whatever the chances told us earlier, it is that goal the result rests on.

Deportivo had 62% of the ball, against a home average of 47.5%, which is the first sign that this was a different match for them. They also took 18 shots when they usually take 11.7, and their expected goals figure of 2.4 is about double their usual 1.16. Expected goals, or xG, adds up how good each chance was, so a close header counts for far more than a long shot, and a total of 2.4 means their chances were worth roughly two and a half goals.

Osasuna had 38% of the ball, below their away average of 46.8%, and 11 shots, close to their usual 10.5. Their xG of 0.99 was below the 1.71 they usually create on the road, so their attempts were less dangerous, not simply fewer. Ante Budimir had still given them the lead before half-time, set up by Moi Gómez, and that was the goal they had earned.

Most of the home side's threat came from the middle of the pitch and the wings, where Luismi Cruz set up Soriano's equaliser with a pass. Nsongo, who was rated 8.1, won seven of his individual duels, which is the kind of work that often decides a late game. At the other end, Sergio Herrera made five saves, a figure that kept Osasuna in the match long after their chances had dried up.

The discipline numbers add another layer. Osasuna received four yellow cards and committed 13 fouls, against Deportivo's five, and no one was sent off. Osasuna were the side forced to defend more often, and the cards reflect that. Deportivo finished the game with a clean sheet of bookings, which mattered when the decisive moment came.

Osasuna have lost five of their ten away matches this season and have conceded 20 goals on the road. Their goal here was their only one, matching their away average of one goal per match, and it was not enough to hold a point at Riazor.

Player of the matchMario Soriano1 goal8.2

A. Budimir1 goal8.2

B. Nsongo1 goal8.1

Luismi Cruz1 assist7.5