Diego Costa’s highly-anticipated return to Atlético Madrid finally happened on Wednesday, as los rojiblancos and their supporters got to see their old friend (and fellow arrival) Vitolo at Lleida in the Copa del Rey. Costa came off the bench to net the third of Atlético’s four goals in a result which certainly will see Atleti through to a quarterfinal.

After the match, Costa, Vitolo and Diego Simeone all spoke positively about the performance to.

Diego Simeone

On the match and the oposition:

“I think the team reacted well to Lleida’s great first 20 minutes. Lleida had a great first half and they competed very aggressively throughout the match.

“We reacted well and adapted our play.”

On Kévin Gameiro (assist) and Fernando Torres’ (goal) play:

“In the first half, Torres and Gameiro played well and Torres’ goal was a good one, a great play.

“Torres, Costa, Gameiro, Griezmann and Correa can all play in tight spaces.”

On Diego Costa’s return:

“Costa gave us what we needed: speed, strength and physicality.”

Diego Costa

On his return to Atlético Madrid:

“I’m very happy to have played for Atlético again. This was very important for me and I’m very happy.”

On his goal in his re-debut:

“I can’t ask for more in this second debut for Atlético. I got to play and I was lucky enough to score. This makes me even happier.”

Vitolo

On making his debut:

“I’m happy for the team and happy about my return to the pitch after a month and a half out. The team played a very complete game.”

On his new boss:

“Simeone is as I imagined: a coach with character. That’s what has brought the team so much success in recent years. I wanted to work with him.”