Brazilian star Douglas Costa vows to get even better after making his Sydney FC debut

One of two massive A-League signings showed what he can bring after turning out for the first time in a huge Sydney FC win.

Brazilian star Douglas Costa has warned rivals he has plenty of improvement in him after having a hand in three of Sydney FC’s goals in the Sky Blues’ 5-0 thrashing of Hong Kong outfit Eastern SC in the AFC Champions League Two competition.

The 34-year-old former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger made his Sydney FC debut in Thursday night’s comprehensive win at Jubilee Stadium, playing for 69 minutes before being replaced by Max Burgess.

“It was really special and I hope to get more minutes, but I’m really happy here on and off the field,” Costa said.

“I know I have a lot of things to improve fitness but for the first game, it’s OK.

“I’m probably at 65 per cent (fitness) but for the first game we won it and that’s the most important thing, and we score goals as a team.”

Costa ➡️ Klimala ➡️ Ouahim 🥅

The pick of the bunch from tonight’s 🖐️ goals 🔥#WeAreSydney#ACLTwopic.twitter.com/G26ZdkuxeB

— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) September 19, 2024

Costa contributed to Sydney’s first three goals – two of which were scored by former Morocco under-23 international Anas Ouahim and the other by captain Rhyan Grant – as the hosts took gradual control of the contest.

Eastern also aided Sydney’s cause by scoring two own goals in the second half.

The winning margin could have been greater, however Sydney’s new Polish striker Patryk Klimala failed to convert a second-half penalty.

Sydney coach Ufuk Talay was pleased with his side’s performance.

“We knew that we’d have a lot of the ball and it was up to us to break them down,” Talay said.

“It took us a while but once we did there was some good combination play which led to the first goal.

“Overall pleased and I think second half was probably even better once we got into rhythm and rectified a few things.

“We knew the opponent would set up in a low block and try to counter, and I think in the second half we definitely pinned them back.”