Animal Costa hurt his foot, confirms Simeone

Costa had not scored in the league since February but ended his longest ever drought in the top flight with a header from Antoine Griezmann's corner.

That had Atletico on track to leapfrog Barcelona into top spot in the LaLiga table, but Barca hit back to deny Simeone his first LaLiga win in this fixture during his seven years as Atletico coach.

Lionel Messi teed up late substitute Ousmane Dembele, who cut inside to steer a low shot past Jan Oblak and desperate defender Lucas Hernandez on the line to snatch a point.

Costa had already been withdrawn, though, and Simeone confirmed the Brazil-born Spain striker had asked to be substituted due to injury.

"He retired with a little discomfort in his foot and asked for the change," Simeone said to Movistar.

78' | 1-0 | We have a GOAAAAAAL!!!! @diegocosta heads it home and puts us in the lead!!! #AúpaAtleti #AtletiBarça pic.twitter.com/5hTDjNLhcq

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) November 24, 2018

Costa could therefore be a doubt for Atletico's next match, at home to Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday.

But Simeone will want Costa to shake off the injury, with his first goal in 10 LaLiga appearances against Barcelona potentially a turning point in his season.

"We hope so," Simeone said of Costa's previously poor form being boosted by his header.

"He's an animal - and every time he's on the field, the team has a chance to win."

Atletico stifled Barcelona for much of the top-of-the-table contest, with only two shots on target recorded by either side.

"The style was very similar because we both played something similar," Simeone said.