Chelsea striker Diego Costa had reasons to celebrate on Monday evening as he ended a two-year goal drought for Spain in their World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein.
The 27-year-old was granted Spanish citizenship three years ago – therefore switching his allegiance from Brazil – but is yet to transform his club form for Atletico Madrid and the Blues on to the international scene and was left out of the squad altogether for this summer’s European Championships.
He has since returned to the fold under new manager Julen Lopetegui and repaid his faith by breaking the deadlock against Liechtenstein, which was his first since October 2014, before adding another late on in a comfortable 8-0 victory for La Roja.
Tougher tests will follow, but early signs this season show Costa is regaining the sort of form that lead Atletico to the La Liga title in the 2013/14 season and helped wrestle the Premier League crown away from Manchester in his debut campaign (2014/15) at the west London outfit.
Costa has begun the current season in fine fashion as he netted late winners in victories over West Ham United and Watford, before providing an assist for Willian in the 3-0 win over Burnley in the game before the international break.
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