According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea star Marcos Alonso and Atletico Madrid ace Diego Costa have begun early mind games merely hours after the UEFA Champions League draw for the first knockout stage.
The draw saw the Blues face off against Atletico once again. Both teams have met seven times already with two wins apiece.
The game will also see Costa return to Stamford Bridge for the first time since leaving the club in 2018.
Following the draw, Alonso took to Instagram to react to it. He posted a pic of him and Alvaro Morata celebrating against Atletico with the message ‘Back to my city soon’.
Given that the Spaniard was with Atletico’s arch-rivals Real Madrid, his sentiment and choice of photo is understandable.
The post caught the attention of Costa who replied with the eyes emoji three times and the flame emoji. Alonso fired back with the ‘crying with laughter’ emoji and two waving hands.
Alonso and Costa were team-mates at Stamford Bridge. Under the management of Antonio Conte, the duo was part of our 2016/17 Premier League winning team.
Ironically both players may not end up playing a role in the tie. Alonso has fallen out of favour with Chelsea boss Frank Lampard while injuries and age appear to be catching up with Costa.
With or without them, it promises to be a closely-fought tie that will provide us with a massive challenge.
The first leg in Spain will be played on 23 February with the match at Stamford Bridge set to take place on 17 March. Both kick-off times are yet to be confirmed. (h/t Chelsea FC)
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