Costa an instant hit as Blues win friendly

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Chelsea new boy Diego Costa scored both goals as they beat Real Sociedad 2-0 in their final pre-season friendly.

Despite downpours of torrential rain there was a carnival atmosphere at Stamford Bridge, not least before the game when each member of the squad – including returning hero Didier Drogba, who did not feature in the match because of an ankle injury – was introduced to the crowd.

And if his home debut is anything to go by, Costa is on course to establish himself as a fans’ favourite too.

The Spain international scored after only a minute, finishing well after being set up by Ramires’ lovely pass.

After Ramires then missed a sitter by shooting off-target following great work on the flank by Branislav Ivanovic, Costa netted again with just seven minutes on the clock, easily slotting home after Andre Schurrle’s curling effort had hit the post.

Esteban Granero, recently signed by Sociedad from QPR, shot narrowly wide but Chelsea dominated and continued to do so after the interval.

Costa had a chance to complete a hat-trick but fired wide from a cross by Eden Hazard, who had latched on to a great ball from Willian.

Costa was given a standing ovation when replaced just after the hour mark by Fernando Torres, who headed over from a brilliant cross by another summer signing, Filipe Luis.

And in the final minute, visiting keeper Eñaut Zubikarai produced a superb save to deny Oscar.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Ivanovic (Zouma 81), Cahill (Azpilicueta 45), Terry (Christensen  88), Ake (Luis 45); Fabregas (Mikel 71), Matic (Van Ginkel 81); Ramires (Willian 45), Hazard (Salah, Schurrle (Oscar 45); Costa (Torres 61).

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