Costa at the double as Stamford Bridge welcomes prolific hitman
SPANISH striker Diego Costa introduced himself to the Chelsea faithful with two goals as Jose Mourinho’s side rounded off their pre-season campaign with victory over La Liga side Real Sociedad last night.
Costa took his goalscoring tally to four in Chelsea colours since a £32m summer move from Atletico Madrid, with two early strikes ensuring the west London club head to Burnley for their Monday night Premier League opener on the back of a convincing 2-0 win.
Stepping out at Stamford Bridge for the first time since playing his part in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final demise at the hands of former club Atletico, Costa opened the scoring after just 57 seconds.
The 25-year-old collected a Ramires pass and slid the ball home inside the opening minute before tapping in the second after Germany’s World Cup winner Andre Schurrle saw a curling effort rebound off the far post.
Misfit Marouane Fellaini gave a timely reminder of his credentials as Manchester United grabbed a last-gasp 2-1 victory in manager Louis van Gaal’s first home game in charge against Valencia.
England striker Wayne Rooney, who has been confirmed as United’s new captain, had a first-half penalty saved before rejuvenated midfielder Darren Fletcher slotted home from the edge of the area.
Valencia equalised as Rodrigo Moreno blazed a first-time volley into the roof of the net in the 71st minute before United, who open their campaign at home to Swansea on Saturday lunchtime, struck late through Fellaini.
Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo, meanwhile, has submitted a transfer request in a bid to force through a move to Old Trafford after United tabled a £15.9m bid.