As Leo Messi broke the record for goals in a calendar year, the Colombian became the first player in a decade to score five goals in a game.

Falcao now has 16 goals from 15 games, and is the second top scorer in La Liga behind Leo Messi.

"I scored five in a game when I was little in Bogota," the Colombian known as "the tiger" he told Atletico's website.

"And I got four playing for Porto against Villarreal but never five as a professional. I was very excited when I came to Atletico Madrid. It was a personal challenge to play in this great league with such a lot of good players.

"I am enjoying it. I have a great squad around me who are supporting me and helping me a great deal to develop as a professional."