Few players embodied intensity quite like Diego Costa during his peak years in Spanish football.
The former Atletico Madrid striker built a reputation not just for scoring goals, but for thriving in physical and emotional battles, especially in Madrid derbies against Real Madrid.
Now 37 and retired, Costa recently appeared on Mario Suarez’s podcast, where he reflected on some of the fiercest duels of his career.
Facing Ramos and Pepe
Naturally, the conversation turned to his repeated clashes with Real Madrid’s iconic defensive pairing of Sergio Ramos and Pepe.
The derby between Atletico and Real Madrid was always heated, and Costa was often at the centre of it.
On the pitch, tempers flared. Off it, however, things were very different.
When asked directly about his famous confrontations with the two centre-backs, Costa made an honest admission about their relationship beyond the rivalry.
Asked about those intense moments, he explained that things were never personal once the final whistle blew.
Diego Costa in action against Sergio Ramos. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
“They are men, like me. They defended their own, and I defended mine, although it all stayed on the field. Ramos and Pepe were very real dogs.
“At Madrid, you can always hit harder. On the other hand, when Piqué and Puyol hit me, they apologised.
“The games against Barcelona were very difficult because we had to defend. With Madrid, I could compete more,” he admitted.
Despite the confrontations, there was admiration. Costa did not hide the fact that those duels pushed him to elevate his level.
He revealed that Sergio Ramos and Pepe **“were the two defenders I liked to face the most. They were very good and made you raise your game to the maximum,**” he said.
Ramos and Pepe were known for their aggressive defending, leadership and mental strength.
Facing them required courage and sharpness, qualities that Costa prided himself on.
Source: Mundo Deportivo