Diego Costa’s Gamble Fails as Injury Forces Early Exit in Champions League Final
Lisbon, Portugal – In a dramatic and heartbreaking turn of events for Atlético Madrid, Diego Costa’s Champions League final ended just nine minutes after it began.
The Spanish striker, who had been battling a hamstring injury sustained days earlier, was declared fit to start Saturday night’s all-Madrid final against Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz. But despite intensive and unconventional treatment — including a widely publicized visit to Serbia for mare’s placenta therapy — Costa was clearly not ready for action.
After barely making an impact on the match, Costa was visibly in discomfort and had to be substituted early, with Adrián López replacing him. The scene mirrored the La Liga finale against Barcelona, when the forward was also forced off early, raising serious doubts about his fitness.
This latest setback casts a large shadow over Costa’s hopes of participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup next month with Spain. With national team coach Vicente del Bosque watching closely, the premature exit adds uncertainty to what had been a breakout season for the former Brazilian international.
Costa has been instrumental in Atlético Madrid’s phenomenal campaign, scoring 36 goals across all competitions and helping lead the club to their first La Liga title in 18 years. His absence was keenly felt as Atlético, despite a valiant performance, eventually succumbed to a 4–1 defeat after extra time.
While the decision to start Costa was seen by some as a bold risk, others now question whether the club pushed too hard, too soon.
On social media, reactions were swift and pointed. One fan tweeted:
“Apparently, Diego Costa bet on the wrong horse. #UCLfinal”
With the World Cup just weeks away, all eyes will now turn to Costa’s recovery and whether he can regain fitness in time to play on football’s biggest stage.
