Diego Costa scored the opening goal for Atlético Madrid as they thrashed Deportivo La Coruna 6-0 at the Vicente Calderon Stadium on Sunday.
The Brazilian striker made amends for Thursday’s Europa League red card when he opened the scoring for the home side with a header from Koke’s corner in the 23rd minute.
Radamel Falcao then put the bottom-of-the-table club to the sword with an incredible five-goal haul, taking the star’s tally for the season to 16 in 15 matches.
Falcao doubled the home side’s lead when Koke found the Colombian wide on the right, before the striker hit a low finish.
Deportivo keeper Dani Aranzubia saved well from Costa before Falcao hit his second just before half-time, smashing home a half-volley directly from a throw-in.
His second-half hat-trick began with a penalty, which he had won himself, before heading the ball from a yard out and having to work slightly harder for his last before shooting home from close range.
The thumping victory at a festive Calderon also lifted Atlético to within three points of unbeaten leaders Barcelona, who are currently playing at Real Betis.
