Twitter Reacts as Diego Costa Exits Champions League Final After 9 Minutes

Diego Costa's ill-fated, horse placenta-ridden attempts to be fit to play in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final didn't even last 10 minutes. The Atletico Madrid striker limped off after his first, and as it turned out, only meaningful action.

That forced Atletico boss Diego Simeone to turn to little used substitute forward Adrian Lopez. Here is how Twitter reacted to Costa's short and slightly embarrassing stint in the spotlight of the final.

Website 101GratGoals.com got the ball rolling with a look at the more humorous response to Costa's ailment. Here are some of the best zingers sent Costa's way, beginning with Gazzetta dello Sport Spanish correspondent Filippo Ricci: 

Times reporter Tony Barrett was quick to point out what Costa's injury means for the credibility of horse placenta treatment:

Costa had sought out horse placenta treatment, endorsed by Belgrade-based specialist Marijana Kovacevic, to cure his hamstring, per Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror.

Seeing Costa shuffle off the pitch so early, left Prenderville's fellow Mirror reporter Dave Kidd far from impressed:

Taking a step away from those whose funny bones were tickled by the incident, Guardian writer Sid Lowe bemoaned Atletico having risked Costa in the first place. Lowe cited that the approach hasn't exactly worked in recent matches:

Lowe's point is well taken, although it's equally easy to see why Simeone opted to roll the dice. Costa has after all, netted 36 goals this season, per ESPNFC.com. He is a true talisman.

Meanwhile, BBC Sport reporter Phil McNulty brings the narrative back round to that pesky horse placenta:

Finally, ex-Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Stoke City striker Michael Owen gave his thoughts:

Owen knows a thing or two about nursing injuries. The prime of his career was wrecked by similar ailments to the one that blighted Costa.

Owen spent most of his playing days switching between recoveries and setbacks. The inevitability of Costa's break down only serves as a reminder of the dangers of desperation.