Diego Costa emerged from the bench to score Atlético Madrid’s solitary goal as they beat Real Betis 1-0 on Sunday evening.
The Brazilian midfielder scored within five minutes of entering play when he converted a loose ball from a corner to keep up Atlético’s 100% home record.
Betis goalkeeper Adrian flapped at the corner, which evaded Brazilian defender João Miranda and allowed Costa to steal into the six-yard box and nod into the empty net from close range.
However, less than five minutes later, Costa infuriated the visiting side with a studs down shin challenge on Ruben Perez, which earned him a yellow card.
This led to a mass brawl in the 68th-minute, with four Betis players, Perez, Damien Perquis, Jose Cañas and Nacho all getting booked in a 10-minute spell of madness.
João Miranda also received a booking but Atléti remained focused and saw out the remaining 20 minutes to secure three more important points at the Vicente Calderon.
Diego Simeone’s side remain second in La Liga but have cut the gap on table-toppers Barcelona to nine points.
