Simeone satisfied for Costa after ending scoring drought

Diego Simeone hailed the significance of Diego Costa after the striker ended his six-month await a intention in Atletico Madrid's 2-0 win in opposition to Real Mallorca.


Spain worldwide Costa headed domestic Koke's go 26 mins into Wednesday's LaLiga clash at Son Moix and Joao Felix brought a 2d after the destroy as Atleti ended a three-suit winless run in all competitions.

Costa had now not netted on account that a four-zero victory over Deportivo Alaves in March, however Simeone commenced him for a fifth directly recreation and was hoping the goal boosts the 30-yr-old's self belief.

"We know that strikers stay on goals," he said at his submit-suit news convention.

"It's excellent for him and for the team. I'm happy due to the fact he wanted the aim. He's one in every of our maximum crucial gamers in attack and if our forwards play well then it is less difficult to win."

A 2-zero loss to Real Sociedad and 0-0 draw with Celta Vigo noticed Atletico slip down the table, but victory over Mallorca moved them lower back into second.

"We're improving the balance of the group," Simeone stated. "We had a great first half and inside the second half Mallorca attacked but we defended properly."

It became not all correct news for Atletico, however, as replacement Alvaro Morata was despatched off for 2 yellow playing cards in short succession 8 mins after replacing Costa.

Morata, who clashed with Mallorca skipper Xisco Campos and rowed with the referee to earn his dismissal, will pass over Saturday's derby in opposition to his former aspect and LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.

Asked if the sending off become honest, Simeone spoke back: "I did no longer see what befell well.