Diego Costa returned to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with all eyes on the ex-Chelsea star as he led the Wolverhampton Wanderers attack against his old club.
The Brazilian-born hitman, who turned 34 on Friday, joined the Black Country side when they sent out an SOS for a new striker after summer signing Sasa Kalajdzic suffered a serious knee injury. He was duly thrust into action as a second-half substitute during the defeat to West Ham United last weekend, the final game for Bruno Lage as Wolves boss.
Here, on the opposite side of London, the idea that Wolves caretaker boss Steve Davis had was that, against a Chelsea side who had played in the Champions League on Wednesday night, and with £20million defender Nathan Collins and club captain Ruben Neves both absent due to suspension, attack would be the best form of defence from the outset.
Thus Costa, back in this parish for the first time since his rather bitter and controversial exit that saw ex-boss Antonio Conte inform him he was no longer required via text, was handed a starting spot on Saturday afternoon.
Here's a look at how El Diego's Stamford Bridge comeback unfolded, with home fans delighted to see the return of a hero.
Pre-game: As the two sides lined up around the centre circle ahead of both sides taking the knee before kickoff, Wolves fans in the away end broke into a chant of “Diego, Diego.”
It was quickly taken up around the ground by Chelsea fans, who duly broke into spontaneous applause for their former striker. Costa reciprocated, applauding back and waving to all four sides of the stadium.
Four minutes: Clever little two-yard set on the left touchline as he linked tidily with Daniel Podence.
Six minutes: A first sign of aggression, as Cesar Azpilicueta’s block at a dead ball is met by a two-handed shove to the chest.
35 minutes: Chasing back, a little shoulder charge into the back of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Little complaint from the Chelsea man, more mere acceptance. A first sign of frustration perhaps, having touched the ball only five times up to this point.
42 minutes: Met in the centre of the field by a thunderous challenge from Kalidou Koulibaly. The ground may have shook.
45+1 minutes: Finds a good position inside the Chelsea penalty area, but can’t sort his feet out and the danger passes.
45+2 minutes: Utterly furious, El Diego is left punching the floor after Wolves concede the opening goal to Kai Havertz.
Half-Time: No messing about, one of the first down the tunnel.
47 minutes: Darts to the near post but can’t meet Adama Traore’s cross from the right.
49 minutes: More chants of “Diego, Diego” from the home crowd as Costa tends to the injured Keep Arrizabalaga as he lies on the ground after a heavy landing, having flapped at a cross. The Chelsea physios are waved away after Costa’s intervention.
56 minutes: Another roar of “Diego, Diego” as Costa’s afternoon is brought to an end with Wolves 2-0 down.
On the far side of the pitch, he gets a hand slap from Trevoh Chalobah and a little farewell cuddle from Jorginho before a more powerful embrace from Azpilicueta. Walking behind the goal in front of the Matthew Harding stand, serenaded by applause and chants all the way until he gets back to the Wolves bench.
He reciprocates with waves of his own and even smiles for some snapping shots with their camera phones. There may even have been a little bow. Wolves caretaker boss Steve Davis calls him over for a hand-slap and a quick hug before he takes his seat.
It was no doubt not how he wanted his day to end.
He sat on the Wolves bench beside Portugal international Goncalo Guedes - himself hooked at half-time after a dire first-half display - his arms outstretched across the backs of the seats.
After five years away, he may not be as sharp, as fit, as boisterous as he once was. But for one day only, he was again revered at the kingdom over which he used to rule.
