Diego Costa put in his best performance since returning to Atletico Madrid in their win over Sporting CP, according to Coach Diego Simeone.
The Spain international setup Koke’s goal after just 22 seconds and was instrumental in his side’s two-goal victory at the Wanda Metropolitano in the Europa League quarter-final.
“This was the best version of Costa since he returned to us,” Simeone told reporters, as cited by Marca.
“He was incredible, his work-rate, his running, his participation in the goals, his hassling of mistakes, his discipline throughout the match.
“It was a tough match which made us suffers quite a lot and throughout the game we began to tire…Griezmann, Gabi, Saul, Juanfran, Savic, they all became tired due to their work-rate.
“Are we favourites for the Madrid derby? No, it is important for us in terms of keeping second spot and getting closer to Barcelona, but it will be as difficult as always.”