Deportivo 2020–21 Season

The first season in the third tier of Spanish football since the club’s formation proved a testing experience for Deportivo de La Coruña. Playing in Primera RFEF Group 1, the Galicians were expected to dominate but found the division more competitive than anticipated. Manager Fernando Vázquez, a beloved figure in Galicia both as player and coach, steered the side to a third-place finish.

Third place meant a play-off for promotion to Segunda División — a route back towards respectability. Deportivo reached the promotion play-off final but were defeated by Racing de Santander, leaving them in the third tier for another season. The failure to secure immediate promotion was a significant setback for a club with European ambitions as recently as 2004.

The season was played largely behind closed doors due to COVID-19 restrictions, depriving Riazor of its famous atmosphere and the club of crucial matchday revenue at a time of significant financial stress. The board announced a restructuring programme, with player wages the primary concern as the club tried to manage the transition back towards professional football’s upper tiers.

Season Statistics