There was loads of drama in Diego Costa’s first start since his return to Atletico Madrid last summer.
After nicking a goal in the 4-0 Copa del Rey win at Lleida on Wednesday, the Spaniard was handed a start by Diego Simeone in the La Liga clash with Getafe on Saturday.
The 29-year-old, who returned from Chelsea last summer but was not eligible to play until January, showed the faithful what they’ve been missing by doubling his side’s lead in the 68 minute.
Angel Correa had put the host in front with a fine finish in the first half.
He decided to share the joyous moment with the home fans at the Wanda Metropolitano stadium and was duly penalised for running into the crowd just six minutes after being booked for an elbow.
The period of play was Costa’s career in microcosm, a striker who has frequently given officials as hard a time as opposition centre-backs.
The 29-year-old stood speechless after the referee brandished the red card while Atletico defender Diego Godin sarcastically applauded the decision.
Costa eventually took his medicine and marched down the tunnel, past Simeone on the sidelines who consoled his new striker as he trudged off.
The dismissal did not prove too costly for the home side, who closed out the game to move five points clear of third-place Valencia.
