MADE IN CHELSEA

Ex-Blues hitman Costa showing same devastating form for Spain as he did at the Bridge

DIEGO COSTA will look to continue his scoring form today as Spain bid to book their last-16 place as Group B winners.

Ex-Chelsea striker Costa has scored three goals in two games for Spain, vindicating his selection, having faced criticism for failing to find the net in two appearances at the last World Cup.

The Atletico Madrid forward, who left Chelsea in January following a breakdown in his relationship with boss Antonio Conte, has proved his worth to Spain and will lead their attack again today in Kaliningrad.

Costa spent three months in exile in his native Brazil, before he was able to return to play for a second spell at Atletico, with the 29-year-old back among the goals and a key figure for Spain in Russia.

“If I keep on scoring it means the team is doing well,” he said. “I hope things carry on this way, as long as the team does well out of it.”

Spain coach Fernando Hierro lavished praise on Costa after the forward’s three- goal heroics in the opening two group games.

“His commitment is fantastic,” said Hierro. “He’s scored three goals in two games, but he’s also working hard and running his socks off for the team.

“I’m delighted with how he’s performing.”

Spain team-mate Isco, the first to congratulate Costa on his goal in the hard-fought win against Iran, also paid tribute to the hitman’s industry and commitment to producing his best for the team.

He said: “I hope he goes on to get a lot more goals. Diego is doing really well. Aside from the goals, he’s working really hard and helping us a lot. We’re a team and we have to stick together.”

Spain still need a result today to confirm their place in the knockout stage but, with Morocco already eliminated, are firm favourites to go through.

Hierro is leaving nothing to chance, with the squad having trained behind closed doors in the build-up.

Midfielder Sergio Busquets could be left out as he is on a yellow card and facing a one-match suspension if he incurs another.