Diego Costa went full Diego Costa as Atletico Madrid thrashed Real Madrid 7-3 during an astonishing pre-season clash in the United States.
Only the former Chelsea striker could score four goals and get sent off for sparking a 22-man brawl in the same match.
The Spaniard stole the show on a night which saw Zinedine Zidane’s men utterly humiliated by their Madrid rivals.
Costa opened the scoring in the first minute and completed his hat-trick with a 45th-minute penalty as Atleti raced to a remarkable 5-0 lead at half-time.
He bagged his fourth six minutes after the break before clashing with Real’s Dani Carvajal in the 61st minute.
Both men were sent off following a clash which saw every player on the pitch race over to get involved.
The incident overshadowed an incredible display from Atletico, which also saw £113million summer signing Joao Felix score his first goal for the club and ex-Tottenham star Kieran Trippier make his debut.
Angel Correa and Vitolo completed the rout, while Nacho, Karim Benzema and Javier Hernandez added three late goals for a Real team which included Eden Hazard.
Real captain Sergio Ramos said: “We’re obviously not feeling great right now. This has only just begun, they’re preparation games to get us up to the top level. There are many ways in which to lose, but we can’t be doing it like we did today.”
Real coach Zinedine Zidane added: “We don’t need to dwell on it, this is a pre-season game. They [Atletico] were better in every respect and that’s all there is to it.
“I’m convinced we’re going to have a good season. We can’t be pleased with today’s defeat, that much is clear. But I’m convinced I’ve got a team here that is going to compete at the top level.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Bale featured for the final 30 minutes despite rumours he is on the verge of sealing a move to China.
