Atletico Madrid 6-0 Deportivo: Five-star Falcao shines against Galicians

Atletico Madrid recovered from two consecutive setbacks in convincing fashion after the club hammered Deportivo La Coruna 6-0 in La Liga on Sunday.

However, the team's cause was greatly helped by the exploits of Radamel Falcao, who struck the net five times at the Vicente Calderon to become only the second player to score as many goals in a Spanish top-flight match this century.

It was Diego Costa who broke the deadlock on the night. The Brazilian striker made amends for his midweek red card in the Europa League by heading in Koke's 13th-minute corner.

The midfielder was on the assist trail again 15 minutes later when he sent Falcao through on goal, and the former Porto ace doubled Atleti's lead with a cool finish.

On the cusp of halftime, Falcao made it 3-0 to the home side, turning in a throw-in to put his team firmly in the driving seat of the match with the second half still to play.

It only went from bad to worse for Depor after the restart, as Roderick's mistake in the box allowed Falcao to complete his hat trick from the penalty spot.

Three minutes later,  the striker was at again, this time finding himself at the right time to sweep up a rebound, and he netted his fifth and final goal soon after with a fine solo effort.

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