Diego Costa Touching Goal Dedication to Atleti Femenino Star Recovering From Brain Tumour

Diego Costa celebrated his equalising goal against Athletic Club on Sunday afternoon by holding aloft the number 14 shirt of Atletico Madrid Femenino star Virginia Torrecilla, who is recovering from brain surgery.

In their first La Liga contest back after the three-month hiatus, Diego Simeone's side were held to a slightly disappointing 1-1 draw at San Mames, with Costa's finish levelling after Iker Muniain had opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half.

The draw, incredibly, marked a record 13 draws for Atleti in La Liga this season, with the 2014 title winners now four points off Real Sociedad - who also have a game in hand - in fourth.

However, while Atleti's somewhat rusty return to action leaves them open to more criticism in a difficult season domestically, Costa received praise for the touching dedication of his first league goal since October to Torrecilla.

The defensive midfielder and 63-cap Spain international, who joined Atleti from Montpellier last summer, underwent surgery last month to remove a benign tumour on her brain, in what she described on social media as 'the most important match of my life'.

She has since left hospital to continue her recovery at home.

After scoring on 39 minutes, Costa ran over to the touchline to take an Atleti shirt with Torrecilla's name and number, which he held aloft.

In reaction to the goal celebration at an empty San Mames, Torrecilla wrote on Twitter, "I have no words... you are incredible!!! Thanks you with all my heart!!"

25-year-old Torrecilla, who has won three Primera Division titles in her career, won't miss any further action this season, with women's football cut short due to the implications of the coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Atletico men's team next travel to Pamplona to take on mid-table Osasuna on Wednesday 17 June.