Diego Costa lasts just 9 minutes of Champions League final
Spanish powerhouses meet in Lisbon
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone's gamble to start Diego Costa in the Champions League final backfired as the striker had to exit after just nine minutes on Saturday.
Costa was in the starting lineup just one week after leaving a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in the first half with a right hamstring injury when Atletico played for the Spanish league title. With the European Cup on the line, Costa had seen a doctor specializing in using fluid derived from horse placenta to repair damaged cells.
However, Costa looked hesitant and without confidence at the Stadium of Light before leaving the game and jogging up the tunnel. He was replaced by Adrian Lopez.
Costa led Atletico with 36 goals this season, and his injury could also risk his participation at the World Cup for Spain.