Deportivo return to La Liga

Deportivo La Coruna secured their return to La Liga courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Huesca on Sunday night.

Going into the penultimate round of the Segunda Division season four points clear of second-placed Celta Vigo at the summit of the standings, Deportivo knew that a win would seal promotion with a week to spare.

They fell behind at the Riazor when former Liverpool winger Antonio Nunez struck just after the half-hour mark, but Riki equalised for the hosts shortly before the break.

On-loan Newcastle United midfielder Xisco Jimenez then put Depor ahead with 20 minutes to go and Jose Luis Oltra’s men held on to clinch the Segunda Division title and a return to the top flight at the very first attempt.

Depor, who won the first division title in 2000, went down last May after finishing 18th in La Liga.

Juan Carlos Valeron said afterwards that the win was the greatest thing that has ever happened to him.

Valeron refused to confirm if he will now call time on his illustrious career, preferring instead to savour the occasion.

“It’s the greatest thing that has ever happened in my life,” the playmaker said.

“The promotion is very satisfying. I could not go without returning to the team to the Primera Division …”

Valeron, who will turn 37 next month, joined Depor from Atletico Madrid in 2000.