Diego Costa dedicates goal against Athletic Bilbao to Atletico Madrid women's star, Virginia Torrecilla who had surgery to remove brain tumour

Diego Costa paid tribute to an Atletico Madrid women's player after scoring their first-half equaliser against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Costa celebrated with team-mates before heading to the touchline to mark the occasion with a special demonstration to show support for Virginia Torre Cilla.

Last month the Spanish women's international was forced to undergo surgery to remove a brain tumour.

After seeing Costa's public display of solidarity, she replied on Twitter: 'I have no words .... YOU ARE AMAZING !! Thanks from my heart!!'

She had been suffering from headaches and back pain when she underwent a CAT scan on May, which revealed a benign tumour, but required an operation. 

The surgery, in Pamplona, proved a success and she has since left hospital to continue her recovery. 

In Sunday's game at the San Mames Stadium, Costa scored the equaliser with a left-footed shot came just two minuets after Ikier Muniain had put the hosts ahead.

The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes as both sides shared the points.

Atletico women's player Torrecilla underwent surgery on a brain tumour last month