Simeone Optimistic Costa Will Rediscover Scoring Touch

By Harry Morgan
Atletico Madrid Manager Diego Simeone has backed Diego Costa to rediscover his scoring touch after the striker drew yet another blank in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad.

The Brazilian-born Spanish striker has now gone 17 La Liga games without a goal.

Costa's La Liga goal drought goes back to last season, although he scored against Monaco in the Champions League ahead of a brace against Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.

"He (Costa) is working so that the goals would return," Simeone said at the post-match press conference. 

"He is extraordinary and very important for us for all the things he does in the dressing room. If you play like he did [against Sociedad], you are very close to scoring. It is the way."

Atletico Madrid had to rely on goals from defenders Diego Godin and Felipe Luis to get the win that puts them on top of the La Liga table though Barcelona will overtake them if they avoid defeat against Real Madrid in the El Classico on Sunday.