Atletico desperate to unleash ‘animal’ Costa

Filipe Luis rued the absence of former Chelsea striker Diego Costa as Atletico Madrid bid for a victory at Stamford Bridge they hope can help secure their Champions League survival, writes Matt McGeehan.

Los Rojiblancos need to win and for Qarabag to at least avoid defeat at Roma at the same time for Diego Simeone’s men to avoid a premature exit and fall into the Europa League.

Costa forced through a return to Atletico after three seasons at Stamford Bridge featuring 59 goals in 120 appearances, plus two Premier League titles, but is ineligible until January due to their transfer embargo and has remained in Madrid to work on his fitness.