During the pulsating Copa del Rey semi-final first leg clash between Real and Atletico Madrid, it was evident from the start that Arbeloa and team-mate Pepe were singling the Brazil-born striker out for a rough ride at the Santiago Bernabeu
But after a number of clumsy tackles to quell the threat posed by Costa in the first half, Arbeloa overstepped the mark, dragging his studs across his calf while the players waited for a dead-ball to be played into the Real Madrid penalty area.
Ouch: Alvaro Arbeloa can just be seen raking the back of Diego Costa's leg as the players await a dead-ball delivery
Nasty tackle: Arbeloa (white socks) can be seen dragging his studs over the back of Costa's leg
Roughed up: Arbeloa and Costa were fighting a battle in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg
But referee Clos Gomez failed to spot the incident, and allowed the play to continue.
It wasn't the only incident involving the former Liverpool full back Costa was unhappy about. Almost every time the ball came into the Real Madrid box, Arbeloa was tugging at his shirt or shoving him, one such challenge evoked vehement pleas for a penalty from Costa and his team-mates. But Gomez remained unmoved.
Costa, whose Atletico side went in at half-time a goal down, remonstrated with officials at the break, seemingly telling them to keep an eye on the Real back four.
Unhappy: Costa was subject to a fair few heavy challenged from Pepe and Arbeloa during the opening phase
Deadlock broken: Pepe celebrates after his shot deflected off Emiliano Insua and into the net
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