Atletico Madrid

Atletico Madrid President Enrique Cerezo is disappointed with Antoine Griezmann's decision to request a transfer. He also revealed he doesn't know where the France international will be moving amid strong links to Barcelona.

Cerezo spoke to Fox Sports and said he thought Griezmann was committed to Atletico prior to the player's announcement on Tuesday (h/t Goal's Dejan Kalinic):

"More than annoyed, I am disappointed. I thought that Antoine had a great future at Atletico, with big titles and big league wins. The problem is that everyone thinks in their own way. We respect his decision, I and Atletico fans. We wish him all the luck in the world. One goes and others will come.

"I don't know where he will play, ask him. He can play where he likes.

"This is a surprise, it's a disappointment. If I was his advisor I would have told him to stay here. It's a free life and everyone can do what they think is right."

Atletico shared this short video on Tuesday, in which the France international explained his decision:

. @AntoGriezmann: "These five years have been incredible. Thank you very much for everything, I carry you in my heart." pic.twitter.com/uz1jwQj1Sg

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 14, 2019

Per Sam Wallace of the Telegraph, Griezmann's decision to leave comes just one year after the production of a documentary film called La Decision, in which he announced he would be staying with the Rojiblancos.

El Larguero (h/t The Spanish Football Podcast) reported the Frenchman was planning another documentary, prompting Atletico to demand he record the video released on Tuesday:

Atleti insisted Griezmann record that "I'm leaving" video for them after it emerged he really was planning a 'The Decision' 2 (although no Piqué involvement this time), say El Larguero https://t.co/D5hMhBaMzB

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) May 16, 2019

Wallace also pointed at his €120  million (£105  million) buyout clause and how all the signs indicate he will join Barcelona. He noted the Catalans don't have the finances needed to complete such a deal, however, and that they will have to sell players and likely have to persuade Atletico to accept a payment in instalments.

Ex-Barcelona President Joan Laporta has spoken out against the move, per Sport:

Laporta: Barca fans don't want Griezmann and the price is too high https://t.co/qbVD4zWwRx

— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) May 15, 2019

Griezmann joined Atletico from Real Sociedad in 2014 and quickly established himself as one of the team's most crucial attacking pieces.

Per WhoScored.com, he's had a hand in more than 40 per cent of the team's goals since joining:

Antoine Griezmann: Since moving to Atletico Madrid in 2014, @AntoGriezmann has had a direct hand 126 (94 goals, 32 assists) of the 311 league goals Atletico Madrid have scored (40.5%)

For more player stats -- https://t.co/1PeFygL3Qw pic.twitter.com/Yj8ENrEnT7

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) May 15, 2019

The 28-year-old has won the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup with the Rojiblancos, but Barcelona have dominated La Liga during his spell in the capital. Rivals Real Madrid have also won the UEFA Champions League three times in that span, twice knocking out Atletico in the process.

Atletico will face tremendous turnover this summer, as longtime defenders Diego Godin and Juanfran are among those also leaving the club, per Marca:

Griezmann 👋

Godin 👋

Juanfran 👋

It's an exodus at @atletienglish - who's next?

➡🚪https://t.co/8Qq6dAqIXv pic.twitter.com/TxiWC7gzMF

— MARCA in English 🇺🇸 (@MARCAinENGLISH) May 15, 2019

Griezmann's sale should add a significant chunk of money to their transfer budget, however, and Diego Simeone will likely have the means to transform his squad this summer.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone said he does not fear Antoine Griezmann leaving the club this summer and expects him to remain.

Per AS, Simeone spoke amid fresh rumours linking the Frenchman with Barcelona:

"Since the subject of Griezmann going to Barcelona started to pop up in the media, I always said that I think he's okay, he's cool and happy with his team-mates.

"He's the captain of our team and we always give him the affection and importance he deserves, but of course we're not inside his head to know his opinion.

"If he has something to say he will one day. We think he will stay with us. I'm not afraid of losing him. He's our captain and whatever happens from now on doesn't depend on us."

Griezmann had the chance to join Barca last year but opted to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.

The 28-year-old has 21 goals and 10 assists for the campaign in all competitions, the third season running he's achieved double figures for both.

However, he needs four goals in Atletico's final two matches of the season against Sevilla and Levante or it will be the first time in his five campaigns with the club that he hasn't netted at least 25 goals in all competitions.

Squawka's Muhammad Butt is a big admirer of Griezmann's, but he's not convinced he's the signing Barcelona need:

Griezmann is world-class. the third best player on the planet, really. but I don't see how he's the forward that Barça need given he's not a 9.

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) May 9, 2019

Football writer Zach Lowy also questioned the logic of the Catalan giants trying to sign him:

I'm not a fan of this signing at all. Griezmann is a lot worse than Suárez was (who was 27 when we signed him). This is a panic signing.

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) May 9, 2019

Whether his capture would make sense for Barca or not, it would come as little surprise if Griezmann were tempted.

He's won just one major trophy with Los Rojiblancos—the UEFA Europa League last year—and a player of his quality could be a little disappointed not to have picked up more silverware.

By contrast, in Griezmann's five years with Atleti, Barca have won four La Liga titles and as many Copas del Rey, and they're in this season's final. They also won the UEFA Champions League in 2015.

The forward has four years left on his contract, though, and he's already shown in the past he's willing to reject Barcelona and remain at the club, so Simeone may be right not to be overly concerned.

Atletico Madrid defender Diego Godin has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the current campaign.

The Uruguay international revealed he will not be signing a new contract at a press conference on Tuesday in front of manager Diego Simeone and his team-mates:

Godin starts to talk to press, while very emotional, with: “I’m more nervous than for any game, it's the truth…” pic.twitter.com/Pzf6TaLbrG

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) May 7, 2019

Godin fighting back more tears: “These are going to be my last days at Atletico Madrid.”

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) May 7, 2019

© CAPTAIN
😊 EXAMPLE
👏 LEADER
🇺🇾 U RU GUA YO!
💪 DETERMINATION
🤝 COMMITMENT
📜 LEGEND
9⃣ seasons in Red & White
🔴⚪🔴 #GraciasGodín!#AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/jNHZCoAV76

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) May 7, 2019

Club president Enrique Cerezo was full of praise for the 33-year-old, who joined the Madrid outfit in 2010:

Cerezo takes over “This is a very special day for Atletico Madrid, the whole family have come together to say goodbye to you Diego, an extraordinary player who gave everything over nine seasons."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) May 7, 2019

Cerezo to Godin: "You have been a great example both on and off the pitch during this best ever stage of our club. Your gestures - like the goal at the Camp Nou which was worth a La Liga title - deserve to be recognised forever.

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) May 7, 2019

Speculation has gathered pace throughout the season regarding a possible departure from the Wanda Metropolitano for Godin. According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the centre-back is set to sign for Serie A outfit Inter Milan.

Should he make the switch, Inter will be getting an exceptional player. Even at 33, Godin is considered one of the best centre-backs in the world, having made incredible progress in nearly a decade at Atletico.

The defender has been crucial to the success enjoyed by Simeone's side, helping them win numerous prizes in his time at the club:

OFFICIAL: Diego Godin confirms he is leaving Atletico Madrid at the end of the season pic.twitter.com/2dn0vUcVCJ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 7, 2019

While he turned in many colossal defensive displays, Godin's most significant moment in an Atletico shirt came in 2014, when he scored an equalising goal on the final day of the La Liga season against Barcelona at the Camp Nou. It was enough to clinch a shock title win for Los Rojiblancos.

At the base of the team he was an immense presence in that season, as well as in many more campaigns. Godin is a pure defender, as he rarely loses physical battles, is alert to danger and astute in his positioning on the field.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge summed up just how important Godin has been under Simeone:

It’s easy to forget Godín was hardly impeccable with Villarreal, if anything he was quite shaky. At Atleti however, he became one of the best CBs in the world and helped change the history of the club. 13/14 and 14/15 seasons from him were phenomenal.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) May 7, 2019

Speaking about his decision to leave the club at the end of this season, Godin revealed he turned down a move to Manchester United ahead of the current campaign:

Diego Godin: "I refused Manchester United bid one year ago because I decided to stay at Atlético Madrid. Now - one year later - it's time to go". He has already signed his contract with Inter. 🔴 #Atleti #MUFC #transfers

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 7, 2019

Atletico have two games to play in La Liga, with Sunday's match at the Wanda Metropolitano against Sevilla set to be Godin's last in front of the Atletico supporters. Their final game of the campaign will be against relegation-threatened Levante.

Should he move to Inter, Godin will add more depth to what is an impressive group of centre-backs. Manager Luciano Spalletti already has Stefan de Vrij, Milan Skriniar and Miranda to call upon.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has dismissed the notion that finishing second to Barcelona in La Liga could be considered a failure. 

Atleti are nine points behind Barcelona with four matches remaining. They must beat Real Valladolid on Saturday to keep their slim hopes alive, but Barca will win the title regardless of Los Rojiblancos' result if they beat Levante later in the day, thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

Per Goal's Patric Ridge, Simeone said:

"I was asked whether it is frustrating to finish second in La Liga, with Barcelona and Real Madrid, the best teams in the world.

"I don't think it's frustrating or a failure. We only think about ourselves, where we're coming from and where we're going.

"We have to strive to be competitive. In these seven-and-a-half years, we've always tried to be closer to the top.

"I demand a lot and we look to improve, but I'm glad that Atleti are expected to be among the best every year. That speaks very well of the work that the club are doing, as well as the work from the players that have been here all those years.

"Now we have the responsibility to stay at this level, waiting for Real Madrid and Barcelona to have not a great season, but that is very difficult."

Since Simeone took charge in 2011, Atletico have been punching above their weight to join Europe's elite.

The club had not finished in La Liga's top three since they last won the title in 1996, but they have now finished no lower than third in every full campaign the Argentinian has overseen.

He also guided Los Rojiblancos to the title in 2014. Atleti reached the final of the UEFA Champions League that same season and made it there again two years later, though they were defeated on both occasions by Real Madrid.

This season, they were knocked out by Juventus in the round of 16, succumbing to a 3-0 defeat in the second leg having won the first 2-0.

Ben Hayward of the Evening Standard defended Simeone's management of the team in the wake of the defeat:

Simeone coming in for a lot of criticism after last night's defeat, but context is important. #Atleti were nowhere near the Champions League when he arrived. He has transformed the club and might be the best coach in their history.

— Ben Hayward (@bghayward) March 13, 2019

In La Liga, his side have been consistent throughout the campaign, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

Atletico really super consistent v other 17 LaLiga teams this season:
Atletico [w/o games v Bar and RM] P33 W20 D6 L3 - 66 points
Barca [w/o games v ATM and RM] P32 W19 D7 L2 - 64 points
Madrid [w/o games v Bar and ATM] P32 W18 D3 L7 - 57 points

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) April 20, 2019

What has let them down is that they took just one point each off Barcelona and Real.

If Atletico hope to finish above Barcelona again in the coming seasons, Simeone needs to do better at taking points off them.

Atleti have won just two of their 25 meetings with Barcelona under him in all competitions, and both came in the Champions League.

Nevertheless, Barcelona have lost just two league games this season and only three times in La Liga overall under Ernesto Valverde. Finishing second to a team that difficult to beat is hardly a failure, particularly for a club of Atletico's somewhat more modest stature.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has hailed Antoine Griezmann's continuing importance to the club after his goalscoring display in Wednesday's 3-2 victory over Valencia. 

Atletico had to win to keep the La Liga title race running until at least the weekend:

🦁 @AthleticClub > 7th
🐸 @LevanteUD > 14th#LaLigaSantander pic.twitter.com/lnz0OQhMac

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) April 24, 2019

It was a tough victory over Los Che, but Atleti came through thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata, Griezmann and Angel Correa.

The French striker's strike was his 15th of the league season:

3 - @atletienglish's @AntoGriezmann is one of the three players to have scored 15+ goals in LaLiga in each of the last five seasons, alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Prince. pic.twitter.com/CGd7wk78dZ

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 24, 2019

His remarkable consistency has seen him heavily linked to Barcelona both this season and last, but Simeone said after the victory that Griezmann is in his plans for Atleti's future, per Mundo Deportivo (h/t Dejan Kalinic of Goal):

"A very important player for the present and the future of the club and the team. He is one of the captains and we hope that next season he will have an intense season like now."

Griezmann, 28, has the quality to command a spot in just about any team in Europe, and if he had made the move to the Camp Nou last summer he would be in with a chance of winning a treble this term.

However, he is the star man in Simeone's squad, a position he would not hold if he moved to a bigger club.

And he has won major silverware in his near five seasons at Atleti, most notably the UEFA Europa League in 2017-18 before going on to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.

Last June, Griezmann ended speculation about a possible move to Barca by penning a new contract in Madrid to 2023.

According to Marca, that deal also included a €200 million (£173 million) release clause.

That does not make him unattainable, as there are some clubs in Europe who could cough up such a fee if they wanted—Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are among the leading candidates.

But it does mean Atletico can be fairly certain of holding onto Griezmann this summer, and Simeone is clearly confident he will still have him in his squad next term.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has said Diego Costa was back in training with the team on Friday amid speculation the forward refused to take part in a session the day before.

According to Jorge Garcia of AS, the Spain international declined to participate in training on Thursday despite the fact he is not suffering any injury problem. Costa's campaign is over, as he is serving an eight-match ban following his sending off against Barcelona.

Speaking on Friday, Simeone was coy when asked about Costa's reported absence, but he made it clear the 30-year-old was back in training and the striker is a part of his plans for next season, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

Simeone just now on Costa refusing to train yesterday: "What I can tell you is that it is an internal situation, which we resolved yesterday, and today Diego was training as he always has trained.... nothing has changed with Costa's situation."

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) April 19, 2019

According to Garcia, Costa decided not to train after he discovered Atletico are set to hand him an internal punishment following his dismissal against the Blaugrana.

Sport Witness provided further details from AS' front-page report on the incident:

Diego Costa | AS go with a headline saying he 'refuses to train'.

Arrived at training today, nothing medically wrong,

Was yesterday notified the club are opening disciplinary proceedings related to his ban, and today isn't training 'without justifiable cause'.

— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 18, 2019

The former Chelsea striker was given his marching orders in the first period of the game after yelling in the face of referee Jesus Gil Manzano. Atletico went on to lose the match 2-0, effectively ending the team's chances of winning the La Liga title.

Richard Martin of Reuters relayed a section of the referee's match report, in which it outlined what Costa allegedly said to him *Warning, contains expletive language*:

Referee Gil Manzano's report: "In the 28th minute the player Diego Da Silva Costa was sent off for the following motive: he shouted loudly at me the following words: 'I SHIT ON YOUR WHORE MOTHER, I SHIT ON YOUR WHORE MOTHER.'"

— Richard Martin (@RichMartinMcr) April 6, 2019

The Guardian's Sid Lowe provided more information about the ban on the Spanish Football Podcast:

Did Diego Costa deserve his 8 game ban? @PhilKitro & @sidlowe discuss in new bonus #tsfp 🇪🇸⚽🎙️ out now for patrons.

Join us from just $5 a month for weekly Bonus Podcasts, Q&As, TSFP Presents and Paper Reviews ➡️ https://t.co/DNCYtzjQwY pic.twitter.com/A5MBN3jVCl

— The Spanish Football Podcast (@tsf_podcast) April 11, 2019

Following the red card, Felix Jose Diaz of AS reported Costa may have played his final game for Atletico, with the capital club said to be concerned over his discipline and the increasing amount of injuries accrued this term.

Atletico supporters were delighted when Costa returned for a second spell at the club, and in the second half of the 2017-18 season, there were signs he would make a big impression. Even at the start of this term, Costa netted twice in the UEFA Super Cup win over Real Madrid.

However, the striker has failed to kick on. Per Squawka Football, he finished the La Liga season with as many goals as red cards:

Diego Costa in La Liga in 2019:

⚽️ Goals: 1
🔴 Red cards: 1

It's an early bath for him at Camp Nou. 🛁 pic.twitter.com/nhMO2w8GwI

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 6, 2019

While Costa will always be adored at Atletico after inspiring the team to the Liga title in 2013-14, if a big offer comes in for him in the summer, the club would surely consider cashing in.

At his best, the 30-year-old can be a force of nature in the final third. However, it's been a long time since he looked like the forward defenders formerly feared, and Atletico would potentially benefit from a different attacking partner for Antoine Griezmann.  

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has signed a new contract at the club.

News the Slovenian had extended his terms until 2023 came on Wednesday courtesy of the club's official Twitter account:

#Oblak2023 🤩
➡ https://t.co/bQ0ZQ7lkkk#AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/NDoZNXqRgl

— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) April 17, 2019

AS' Manolete reported in February that Oblak was set for a deal that will earn him an annual salary of around €10 million (£8.7 million).

It's added that Atletico manager Diego Simeone made it clear when he signed his own new contract until 2022 that keeping Oblak was a priority for him. There has been some tentative speculation about the player's future this season, with Paris Saint-Germain linked in the past.

This extension will be a relief for Atletico supporters, especially given the €100 million (£87 million) release clause in Oblak's previous contract would have looked tempting to any major outfits in need of a goalkeeper.

Under the guidance of Simeone in the Spanish capital, Oblak has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers around.

Atletico have always had a mean defence under Simeone, and for long spells, the team were dependant on on-loan Thibaut Courtois. Oblak has done a tremendous job taking over from the Belgian at the base of the team.

While there may be other goalkeepers who are better in terms of their distribution, that trait is not vital given the style Atletico play.

But in terms of shot-stopping and the command of his area, Oblak has been extraordinary, and it's no surprise his side's defensive record is so good:

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak has signed a contract extension to 2023 📝

His record is insane 🤯 pic.twitter.com/o5YvIXvZ5z

— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 17, 2019

With Antoine Griezmann signing a new deal in the summer of 2018 and Simeone also committed for the long-term, this extension for Oblak ensures the club has all of their major assets secure for the foreseeable future.

Given they have an elite goalkeeper, goalscorer and manager, the foundations are there for Atletico to continue challenging for major honours in the years to come. There are many outfits who will look on enviously at the man they have between the sticks, too.  

Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa has been hit with an eight-game ban following his red card against Barcelona in La Liga—meaning he will not play again this season.

The length of the sanction was confirmed by AFP Sport on Thursday:

https://twitter.com/AFP_Sport/status/1116286793614274560

Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC relayed a report from Cadena SER that detailed why Costa has been given such a severe punishment:

Atletico would surely appeal - but this would mean Costa's season already over... and quite possibly has played his last game for the club

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) April 11, 2019

The Atletico forward was given his marching orders after an angry exchange with the referee, with Costa unhappy at what he thought was a foul on him.

After shouting something in the direction of the official, a red card was issued, and Costa had to be ushered from the field by Barcelona's Gerard Pique.

While Atletico played well for long spells with 10 men, they were eventually beaten 2-0, with Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi on hand to score late on. The loss effectively ended the Madrid team's title chances, as Barcelona extended their advantage over Atletico to 11 points.

As Ben Burrows of The Independent noted, there was some detail as to what Costa allegedly said in the referee's match report: "Costa was sent off for the following reason: saying to me loudly, in the following terms: 'I s--t on your w---e mother, I s--t on your w---e mother!'"

Eleven Sports provided footage of the controversial moment, with Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague observing that Costa was adamant he was not insulting the referee (UK only):

| 🔴⚪️ |

Diego Costa has been handed an 8-game ban for his outburst at the referee on Saturday evening! 🤬#LaLiga pic.twitter.com/5j8Wwak2ew

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) April 11, 2019

With only seven matches left in La Liga and no cup competitions for Atletico to compete for, Costa's season has come to an early end. After a 2018-19 campaign in which he's struggled for form and fitness, that will be hugely frustrating for him.

In the first full season in his second spell with the club, Costa has been underwhelming, netting a meagre two goals from his 16 La Liga appearances. 

Corrigan said there has been speculation linking Costa with a move away from Atletico, and the manner in which he was dismissed against Barcelona is unlikely to have earned him too much favour with manager Diego Simeone.

While his Atletico career may be set to end on a low point, Costa will always be a popular figure with the fanbase after he fired the team to an unexpected La Liga title in 2013-14.

Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey has said he is "sure" he will stay at the club this summer amid speculation linking him with a transfer.

The Ghana international has developed into a crucial part of Diego Simeone's side this season, and a number of teams are said to be interested in him, including Manchester United and Arsenal.

Speaking to Cadena COPE (h/t Metro), Partey dismissed the rumours linking him with a switch in the upcoming window.

"I've grown up in Atleti and I am sure I will stay here," he said. "I don't know of another place that will understand how I play like they do here."

As Metro noted, in addition to the Red Devils and the Gunners, Manchester City have previously been linked with a move for the midfielder. It's added the 25-year-old has a release clause in his Atletico contract of €50 million (£43 million).

For a footballer who has blossomed into one of La Liga's best midfielders this season, that amount may tempt some of the sides mentioned. 

Partey has started 18 times for Atletico this season, operating as either a central midfielder or tucked in from the right flank, and his positional awareness, physicality and energy are always apparent.

The midfielder has also chipped in with three goals and three assists in La Liga this season.

His goals are often spectacular (UK only):

| GOAL! |

PICK THAT OUT 🎯

Do not let Thomas Partey hit them from range, he will punish you! #LaLiga pic.twitter.com/5Wo4qpEWiR

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) March 30, 2019

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge commented on how Partey has improved his work on the ball this season, too:

Another key pass. Lofts a ball over the top of Getafe's defence and takes the whole backline out. Stunning from Thomas.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) January 26, 2019

It will come as a relief to Atletico supporters the midfielder wants to stay where he is, as speculation about a number of their star players continues to swirl.

Last month, Eduardo Fernandez-Abascal and Rob Dawson of ESPN FC reported that United and City were both interested in Atletico's Saul Niguez. The La Liga side are said to be unwilling to sell the player for anything less than his €150 million (£129 million) release clause, though.

According to Sam Lee of Goal, City have made Atletico midfielder Rodri their "priority midfield transfer target." His release clause is reported to stand at €70 million (£60 million).

Alongside Partey, the duo have both offered a fearsome presence for Atletico in central areas this season:

https://twitter.com/ScoutedFtbl/status/1098303230239477761

Given the speculation surrounding Saul and Rodri, Atletico may be set for a rejig of their midfield in 2019-20. That will only likely enhance Partey's status in the squad, especially after the strides he's made this season.

The Ghanian's style of play is perfectly suited to Simeone's mantras, and he appears well equipped to handle the extra responsibility that may fall on his shoulders at the Wanda Metropolitano next season.  

Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa may reportedly be set to miss the rest of the season following his sending off against Barcelona on Saturday. 

The striker was given his marching orders in the first period of the game at the Camp Nou after shouting in the face of referee Jesus Gil Manzano. Following the red card, he initially refused to leave the field before being ushered off by Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique.

Per Will Kent of Goal, the manner of the dismissal means the former Chelsea striker may be hit with an eight-game ban. That would see him sidelined for the final seven games of this season and the first domestic match of 2019-20.

Richard Martin of Reuters relayed a section of the referee's match report, in which it detailed what Costa allegedly said to him *Warning, expletive language*:

Referee Gil Manzano's report: "In the 28th minute the player Diego Da Silva Costa was sent off for the following motive: he shouted loudly at me the following words: 'I SHIT ON YOUR WHORE MOTHER, I SHIT ON YOUR WHORE MOTHER.'"

— Richard Martin (@RichMartinMcr) April 6, 2019

Here is the moment the Atletico striker picked up the red card, per Eleven Sports (UK only):

| 🤔 |

Was Diego Costa's sending off harsh? @SemraHunter, @TerryGibson88 & @petejenson discuss the former Chelsea forward's red card.

Watch Barcelona v Atletico Madrid highlights || https://t.co/7uwsUuxnAI pic.twitter.com/lWnhKd7gTk

— ELEVEN Football (@ElevenSportsFB) April 7, 2019

Per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC, lapses in discipline have been crucial for Costa in two big moments for Atletico this season:

Costa booked for encroaching in wall early on in Juve first leg, crucially missing return when Atlético go out. Now straight red for dissent in game they need to win to stay in title race. Oh Diego

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) April 6, 2019

While Atletico performed well for long spells of the match with 10 men, eventually they were beaten 2-0 after late goals from Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. The match also effectively ended any chances the Madrid side had of challenging for the La Liga title, as Barcelona now have an 11-point advantage at the top.

Costa may be set to miss the rest of the run-in, and there is some speculation he may have played his last game for Atletico, with that in mind.

Felix Jose Diaz of AS commented on what has been a poor second spell at Atletico for the striker: "Muscular problems, sanctions and a foot operation have hampered any continuity the player would have wanted to have, and this combined with poor form in front of goal could point to the striker's future lying elsewhere."

Squawka Football noted the player has not enjoyed the best of years up to this point:

Diego Costa in La Liga in 2019:

⚽️ Goals: 1
🔴 Red cards: 1

It's an early bath for him at Camp Nou. 🛁 pic.twitter.com/nhMO2w8GwI

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 6, 2019

Costa returned to Atletico in the 2017-18 season, having fired the team to a shock La Liga title in 2013-14 before leaving to join Chelsea.

However, after a bright start to his second stint at the club, he has found form difficult to come by this term. Costa has struggled to stay fit, and when he's been on the field has failed to link up consistently with Antoine Griezmann.

Atletico signed Alvaro Morata from Chelsea on an 18-month loan deal in January, and he'll likely start in the remaining games this season. With doubts emerging over the long-term future of Costa, it's a chance for him to stake a claim for a starting spot ahead of the 2019-20 season.