Atlético’s Costa in scoring slump ahead of Barcelona clash
WITH HIS imposing frame, aggressive attitude, and talent for scoring difficult goals, Diego Costa has rightfully earned his reputation as a terror for defenders.
But that status is in serious danger after a scoring drought in the Spanish league that dates back to February.
The 30-year-old Costa hasn’t scored in nine appearances for Atlético Madrid in the league this season, partly because he has been hampered by two muscle injuries that have also cost him a place on Spain’s national team.
Tomorrow offers an ideal scenario for Costa to break out of his slump when Atlético host Barcelona with the league lead on the line. Barcelona lead the competition by one point ahead of three teams, including Atlético in third place.
Costa is expected to be cleared to play against Barcelona after returning to practice this week following an international break.
True to coach Diego Simeone’s emphasis on keeping a clean sheet, Atlético are in the title hunt thanks to a stingy defense that has given it six wins, five draws, and one loss. The team leads the league with only eight goals allowed, while scoring 16. That contrasts with Barcelona, who have scored a league-leading 34 times and conceded 18 goals.
THREE GOALS
Costa returned to Atlético midway through last season after spending three years at Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles. Despite only scoring three goals in the league, he helped Atlético win the Europa League title and finish second to Barcelona in the league.
After scoring three goals for Spain at the World Cup, the Costa of old appeared to have resurfaced at the start of this season when he netted two goals in a 4-2 win over Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in August. But his only other goal in any competition since then came on September 18 when he scored in a 2-1 win at Monaco in the Champions League.
Simeone still values Costa’s contributions even when he is not scoring goals. That said, Costa’s problem is not a question of lacking his scoring touch or running across inspired goalkeepers. He is not producing the scoring chances of a top-notch striker.
Costa has only managed to generate seven shots in the league this season. Teammate Antoine Griezmann has three goals from 24 shots, while Barcelona counterpart Luis Suárez has scored nine goals from 36 shots.