Barcelona 2-0 Atletico Madrid: 5 Hits and Flops

#3 Flop: Diego Costa

Costa is consoled by compatriot Pique after receiving a straight red card for dissent

The worst part about all of this is that Costa was already causing Barca's backline all kinds of problems. His physicality, attacking intelligence and movement - not to mention aerial ability and positioning - were all testing the hosts defensively, which would prove a welcome acid test with Manchester United to come in midweek.

He headed a promising half-chance narrowly over the crossbar, having beaten both centre-backs to the ball in an encouraging first half-hour or so of play. So for his match to be over so abruptly without injury, after 28 minutes, was certainly an unwelcome sight to see.

Considering his troublesome injury struggles and lack of goalscoring form this season, what better way to assert your return with an impressive showing against the title rivals? Instead, the 30-year-old Spaniard, who should really know better, found himself kindly escorted off the pitch by compatriot Gerard Pique after being sent off needlessly for extreme dissent shown towards the referee for a decision that didn't go his way.

His dismissal completely changed the game's complexion, forced Diego Simeone into an attacking change and was another sign of the petulance we've come to expect from a hothead like Costa. It's not good enough and although some may argue it was harsh to send him off for swearing at the referee, it sends a message to other players, deterring them from reacting in such an aggressive manner.