Almeria draws 1-1 with Cordoba at home in Spain

ALMERIA, Spain (AP) Almeria was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Cordoba on Friday, as Spanish league football returned after the international break.

Almeria struck first and created more chances than the visitors, but both teams will have to wait for another opportunity to win their first game of the season.

Forward Edgar Mendez skillfully volleyed in Joaquin Navarro's cross to give Almeria the lead in the 12th minute.

But Federico Cartabia, Cordoba's most incisive player, ran onto Fidel Chaves' throughball and slotted in the equalizer seven minutes later.

Almeria controlled the second half and came closest to scoring when Fernando Soriano hit the bar with a header in the 73rd minute.

Despite being outplayed, Nabil Ghilas almost grabbed a winner for Cordoba in stoppage time when Almeria was caught on the counterattack, only for the substitute forward to fire the ball straight at goalkeeper Ruben Martinez.

"I think we carried the weight of the game, and we are heading in a good direction," Edgar said. "We have to remain calm, the first win will come."

On Saturday, Spain's four Champions League teams meet.

Four months after winning the title for the 10th time, Real Madrid hosts Atletico Madrid in a rematch of last season's Champions League final, while Barcelona looks for its third win in as many rounds against Athletic Bilbao.