A late double from Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa has condemned Real Zaragoza to relegation on a dramatic final day of La Liga action.
Zaragoza needed a positive result to stand any chance of avoiding the drop, but a tight match remained goalless until a dramatic chain of events in the closing stages.
Atletico struck first to finally break the deadlock on 84 minutes as Arda Turan guided home from a tight angle.
The home side quickly responded to register an equaliser through Helder Postiga, but any hopes of a last-gasp escape were dealt a fatal blow just two minutes later.
Atletico took full advantage with pace on the counter as Costa made the most of a mazy run and cross from youngster Dani Aquino to score his side's second goal.
With Zaragoza increasingly desperate, Costa quickly registered a brace with a decisive third goal, making no mistake after fine approach play from Koke.
Diego Simeone's side saw out stoppage time to finish a memorable season in style, while Zaragoza were left to rue a poor start after finishing bottom of the table.
Liam Power
