It was a typical Diego Costa performance as the striker scored four goals and was sent off during Atlético Madrid's 7-3 hammering of Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup friendly in New Jersey.
Both sides included new attacking signings as Zinedine Zidane started Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic while João Félix lined out against them. Yet it was familiar face Costa who stole the headlines in his distinctive way, demonstrating skill and overkill in equal measure.
Within a minute Costa had beaten Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-0. By the time he was sent off it was 6-1. Costa's fourth was a sublime chip after a well-timed run.
La picadita y... ?
¡DIEGO COSTA HACE EL SEXTO! ?
El cuarto para su cuenta personal ante el Real Madrid en la #ICCxESPN
?¡EN VIVO!
? ESPN pic.twitter.com/16Y0gpDC9l— ESPN.com.mx (@ESPNmx) July 27, 2019
The red card duly came just after the hour mark, while Dani Carvajal was also dismissed.
Can we have every El Derbi Madrileño in the United States?
Incredible from Diego Costa. Scores four against Real Madrid, then gets a red card for Atletico Madrid. Dani Carvajal sees red for Los Blancos. pic.twitter.com/4GmDS1kvw9
— LaLiga Burro (@LaLigaBurro) July 27, 2019
Diego costa and Carvajal Red card.
Diego doing what Diego’s do pic.twitter.com/pdO4itFfGu
— Blue Is The Color (@_piensky) July 27, 2019
For Real Madrid, goals from Nacho, a Karim Benzema penalty and Javi Hernández Carrera did little to make it competitive. It could also be the last game for winger Gareth Bale. The Welshman came on as a second-half substitute amid but looks set for a big-money move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning before the transfer window closes.
