It was his first touch of the ball, and Stoichkov sent it into the net.
The Cadiz-born forward secured three golden points for Deportivo (0-1) with a strike two minutes from time, against a Cádiz side that, while improved under Idiakez, remains winless and is gradually making its survival in the Segunda División more complicated.
With this victory, Hidalgo’s men return to the automatic promotion places and extend their unbeaten run to ten matches.
Idiakez made as many as five changes, seeking a necessary shake-up. Changes came in almost every line, including goal, where David Gil returned. For Deportivo, it was as expected: the return of Bicentennial Villares replacing Riki.
Cádiz started the match with a little extra energy, lifted by their fans, who once again responded as they do on big occasions. They pressed high and didn’t allow the Galician side to play comfortably, though without creating clear chances. The yellows called for three penalties in the first half, all marginal, and lost Joaquín to injury, one of Idiakez’s key men in his first three matches. Diakité came on.
Hidalgo’s side soon shed their dominance and began to do damage with quick transitions, exploiting space through the middle and down the right wing, where the Galician team finds plenty of inspiration. Although goalless in the first 45 minutes, the visitors were the better side on points, with good chances from Nsongo (a great save by David Gil), Soriano (wide), and the clearest of them all from Quagliata, which Climent cleared off the line. Deportivo dominated, and Cádiz suffered with their defense too deep.
Deportivo improved their attack in the second half, finding gaps with ease. Yeramay, Villares, and Nsongo tested the goal, but the post and an inspired David Gil kept Cádiz alive. The yellows, though less dangerous, had a clear opportunity through Antoñito, their best attacking outlet, though he often looked isolated up front. That prompted Idiakez to turn to his bench, bringing on Lucas and Ocampo for more attacking options.
Cádiz
Ledesma sends encouragement to Cádiz: “I’ll always support you”
Cádiz – Deportivo
From Superdepor to Lucas Pérez, only two Coruña victories in Cádiz
The game lost its inspiration as minutes wore on. Deportivo built play but lacked clarity, facing a well-organized Cádiz. Roger brought Ferllo into action and lifted the crowd from their seats. The match was there for the taking by whoever produced a moment of brilliance — and that’s when Stoichkov appeared in the 88th minute to punish Cádiz with his very first touch. Alone inside the box, unmarked.
A goal that propels Deportivo toward direct promotion and leaves Cádiz in a difficult spot, with the possibility of ending the matchday in the relegation zone.
Cádiz
1 David Gil
14 Bojan Kovacevic
34 Juan Díaz
27 Pelayo
21 Mario Climent
24 Joaquín González (19′)
16 Antoñito Cordero (78′)
11 Suso (66′)
8 Álex Fernández (66′)
15 Ortu
23 García Pascual (79′)
Bench:
2 Jorge Moreno
9 Roger (79′)
5 Moussa Diakité (19′)
13 Victor Aznar
3 Rominigue Kouame
37 Jerónimo Dómina
7 Lucas Pérez (66′)
19 José Antonio de la Rosa (78′)
38 Sergio Arribas
10 Brian Ocampo (66′)
29 Alfred Caicedo
17 Dawda Camara
Deportivo
25 Álvaro F.
