Diego Costa scores on Atletico Mineiro debut

RIO DE JANEIRO: AUGUST 30 – Diego Costa scored on his Brazilian Serie A debut to earn leaders Atletico Mineiro a 1-1 draw at Bragantino on Sunday.

The 32-year-old striker, who replaced Jefferson Savarino on the hour mark, struck with a powerful volley after Eduardo Sasha’s pass from the right flank.

Nathan Silva had gifted the hosts an early lead by unwittingly deflecting the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a Tomas Cuello cross.

The result leaves Atletico with 39 points, four points clear of second placed Palmeiras with both teams having played 18 matches.

“It wasn’t the result we wanted, but coming back and being able to score is always good to get confidence,” said the Spain international, who joined Atletico on a free transfer earlier this month.

Costa’s cameo appearance marked his first match as a professional footballer in the country of his birth. He left Brazil as a 17-year-old to join Portugal’s Braga, a move that paved the way for glittering spells at Atletico Madrid and Chelsea, among other European clubs.

After two friendly appearances for Brazil, the center forward gained Spanish citizenship in 2013 and debuted for his adopted country the following year. He has played 24 times for the Roja and scored 10 goals.

While satisfied with his performance, Costa admitted he lacked sharpness in his first match since December last year.

“I hope that I can work on my fitness during the international break [over the next 10 days],” he said. “It’s just a matter of gaining match rhythm. I was fortunate enough to score tonight and I hope to continue helping the team as much as I can.”

In other Brazilian top-flight fixtures on Sunday, Atletico Goianiense were held to a goalless home draw by Internacional, Juventude drew 1-1 at home to Sao Paulo and America Mineiro clinched a 2-0 home win over Ceara.