Atletico Madrid travelled to La Liga's basement side Cordoba on Saturday looking to move into third position in the table.
The visitors led inside five minutes when Antoine Griezmann angled one into the bottom corner, before Saul Niguez made it 2-0 in the latter stages of the first period.
Cordoba improved in the second half and created a host of chances late on, but they could not find a response as they lost their 10th league game in a row.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
4.31pmAfternoon all! Sports Mole's live La Liga coverage continues from the Estadio Nuevo Arcangel as Cordoba welcome Atletico Madrid. The home side are in a desperate situation at the bottom of the table, but cannot expect any favours from an Atletico team that face a battle to finish in the top four.
4.32pmFirst and foremost, let me bring you up-to-speed with the team news.
4.34pmTEAMS
CORDOBA: Carlos; Fidel, Crespo, Gunino, Edimar; Zuculini, Krhin, Abel, Garcia; Bebe, Andone
ATLETICO: Oblak; Juanfran, Godin, Gimenez, Gamez; Gabi, Tiago, Koke; Saul, Mandzukic, Griezmann
4.37pmSo there we have it. Cordoba are without suspended trio Aleksandar Pantic, Inigo Lopez and Daniel Pinillos, all of whom were sent off against Real Sociedad last time out. It appears that Fidel will start in a defensive position for the hosts, while Bebe and Florin Andone are also selected. Fede Cartabia and the club's leading scorer this season Nabil Ghilas remain on the bench for the strugglers here.
4.40pmAtletico boss Diego Simeone, meanwhile, has recalled both Saul Niguez and Mario Mandzukic to his starting XI. Brazilian centre-back Miranda is suspended, meaning that Jose Gimenez starts alongside Diego Godin in defence. Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak also continues between the sticks in place of the injured Miguel Moya, while Jesus Gamez is preferred to Guilherme Siqueira at left-back.
4.43pmCordoba have only won one of their last eight previous top-flight home games against Atletico – losing four times in the process. That said, the two teams have not met in this stadium since 2011, when Atletico were 2-0 winners. Earlier this season, Cordoba gave a good account of themselves at the Vicente Calderon, but were beaten 4-2 by the reigning Spanish champions. What will occur this afternoon?
4.46pmCordoba's situation in La Liga is not quite terminal, but they are in desperate trouble. The Andalusian side have lost their last nine league games and defeat here would see them equal the second-longest losing run in La Liga. Not since Las Palmas in 1960 has a team lost more than 10 La Liga games in a row. That poor run of form has left the club bottom of the table, seven points from safety.
4.49pmYou have to go back until January 12 for the last time that Cordoba took all three points in the league, with their 1-0 win at Rayo Vallecano following a 2-0 victory over Granada. Since then, however, it has been a downward spiral. Cordoba also have the poorest home form in the league this season – winning just one of their 14 matches and scoring just 11 times in the process. What's more, they had three players sent off in their 3-1 defeat at Real Sociedad prior to the international break. They are in a spot of bother.
4.52pmAtletico, however, will not be in the mood to offer any favours. Diego Simeone's side recorded a 2-0 win over Getafe last time out, but that was their first league victory in four games. As a result, they sit fourth in the table – one point behind third-place Valencia and nine points off the league leaders Barcelona.
4.55pmAtletico's home form has not been a problem this season, but they have struggled on the road. At the Vicente Calderon, they have won 12 of their 15 matches and lost just once. Away from home, however, the capital side have dropped points in seven of their 13 games. Sevilla are now only one point behind Atletico in fifth following their 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao as the race for Champions League football hots up.
4.58pmPREDICTION! Have a look what I had to say about this game here...
0 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Can Cordoba end their horror run of form against the Spanish champions? It is the visitors that get the first half underway here.
2 minIt must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium on this early evening in Cordoba. Atletico are immediately on the attack with Griezmann, who finds a low cross into the box, but Crespo is on hand to make the clearance. Cordoba really need to survive the opening 10, 15 minutes here.
4 minJust a reminder that Sevilla have just beaten Athletic Bilbao to move within one point of fourth-place Atletico in the table. Bebe attempts to use his pace for Cordoba as he chases a through ball, but Gamez is on hand to clear the danger. It has been a high-tempo opening four minutes to this La Liga clash.
5 minGOAL! Cordoba 0-1 Atletico (Griezmann)
6 minAtletico make the breakthrough with five minutes on the clock as Griezmann takes advantage of some poor Cordoba defending before finishing into the bottom corner. It was Zuculini that relinquished possession in the middle of the park and Griezmann broke before finding the back of the net. Super finish!
8 minCordoba just need to be really careful that this match does not get away from them as they continue to concede possession in dangerous areas. Atletico are now fully in control of matters in Cordoba.
9 minCHANCE! Atletico come close to scoring a second as Godin meets a super cross from Griezmann, but his header is straight at the goalkeeper. It really should be 2-0 to the Spanish champions here.
11 minAs it stands, Atletico would move above Valencia into third, with Los Che not playing until tomorrow. Cordoba, meanwhile, would of course remain rooted to the bottom of the table. The home side continue to look long for the pace of Andone and Bebe, but Atletico have been really comfortable thus far.
13 minIn fairness to Cordoba, they have been pretty good since conceding, but their final ball is a problem as Bebe finds space before firing behind for a goal kick. They just do not score enough goals.
15 minThe home side continue to work the ball in forward areas and Andone does well to fashion a low cross, but Godin is on hand to clear the danger. We have not seen too much from Atletico as an attacking threat since Godin headed into the arms of Juan Carlos. It is a really entertaining game at the moment.
17 minThe referee has not issued a card thus far, but we must be getting close as Mandzukic dives into the back of Edimar, who has been bright in the opening 17 minutes. Cordoba are the better side at the moment.
20 minAtletico have just managed to regain some control in the last couple of minutes, while they have been threatening from set pieces, which is not a surprise. Still 1-0 to the visitors with 20 minutes played.
22 minCordoba remain a threat on the counter attack, but once again their final pass is disappointing and Atletico manage to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. It is difficult to imagine Cordoba coming from 2-0 behind against the champions.
24 minGunino takes matters into his own hands for the home side as he drives down the right, but the defender just over-runs the ball at the vital moment and Atletico regain control. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Griezmann remains such a threat for the visitors here.
25 minHalf-chance for Atletico as Gimenez meets a corner from Koke, but the centre-back's header was always moving wide of the post. Cordoba need to be really careful and switched on from set pieces.
27 minGriezmann again shows wonderful pace to burst away from the Cordoba defence, but Mandzukic does not have the legs to catch a through ball from the Frenchman. Cordoba are down the other end moments later, but Garcia cannot switch a pass into Bebe. Little over 15 minutes of the first half to play.
28 min
15 - Griezmann has played more games (28) and has scored more goals (15) than any other Atletico de Madrid player. Leader
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 4, 201530 minCordoba are still in this game, make no mistake about that, but they are struggling to create clear opportunities, which has been the story of their season. Good football, but lacking an end product.
32 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Atletico to score a second as Griezmann meets a flick from Mandzukic inside the box, but Crespo is across to block Griezmann's goal-bound effort. Excellent defending!
33 minAnother half-chance for the visitors as Mandzukic sets up Koke, but his low strike was always moving wide of the post. Atletico have turned up the pressure as the first period gathers pace in Cordoba.
35 minLittle over 10 minutes of the first period remaining and both sides are threatening. Cordoba continue to make use of the space in wide areas, while Atletico's main threat is coming from Griezmann.
38 minStill no yellow cards, but there have been plenty of late challenges this afternoon. The first player to pick up a booking will be the fall-guy for a number of fouls. Atletico have been the better team in the opening 38 minutes, but I suspect that Simeone will not be entirely happy. Cordoba are threatening here.
39 minPossession football from Atletico in the last couple of minutes as they continue to pass and probe in the final third, but Cordoba have been pretty tight at the back thus far, especially from set pieces.
39 minGOAL! Cordoba 0-2 Atletico (Saul)
40 minAtletico double their lead with 39 minutes on the clock as Saul heads home from close range. Gimenez won the first header from a throw and Saul popped up to finish. Right place, right time.
42 minYou have to feel for Cordoba - they have been in this game for long spells, but two goals from Atletico have quite probably secured all the points. It is a long way back for the basement side here.
44 minPossession football from Atletico as we approach the half-time break.
45 min+1BOOKING! Andone (Cordoba) is booked for a late challenge on Griezmann. It was a frustrated tackle from the forward, who had lost possession just outside the Atletico box moments before.
45 min+2HALF-TIME: Cordoba 0-2 Atletico
5.48pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Atletico leading 2-0 in Cordoba. The visitors opened the scoring after five minutes when Griezmann found the bottom corner, before Saul headed home from close range six minutes before the break. Atleti are extremely comfortable.
5.53pmSTATS! Cordoba have actually had more of the ball with 60% possession, but they have only had two attempts, both of which have been off target. Atletico, meanwhile, have hit the target with three of their six attempts. There has been just the one booking, with Andone carded late in the first period.
5.58pmBENCH WATCH! Cordoba boss Romero has plenty of attacking options on his bench this early evening, with the likes of Heldon, Cartabia and Ghilas all in reserve. Atletico, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Cani, Fernando Torres and Arda Turan. Will we see any alterations at the break in Cordoba?
46 minHere we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Cordoba find a route back into this game? It will be very difficult. The hosts get the second 45 minutes underway here.
47 minSUBS! Cordoba have made a double change at the break, with Fede and Ghilas both entering in place of Florin and Zuculini. Atletico, meanwhile, introduce Mario Suarez for Tiago.
48 minIn truth, it is not that surprising that Ghilas and Cartabia have both been introduced. Cordoba need something different in the final third. It has been a decent start to the second half from the hosts.
48 minCartabia takes matters into his own hands as he cuts inside before firing towards goal, but the Argentine's effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Cordoba need more shots on goal.
50 minBoth skippers collide in the middle of the park during an aerial challenge, but the referee decides that both players were going for the ball. It has been a fairly low-key start to the second period here.
52 minAtletico again test Juan Carlos as Saul produces an over-head kick inside the box, but the Spaniard was in an offside position when he made contact. Another goal for the visitors would make sure of the win.
54 minNot too much to report in terms of clear chances at the moment, with both sides guilty of losing possession in the final third of the field. Atletico are not overly keen on committing players forward at the moment, which is not a surprise. It is up to Cordoba to find a route back into this match here.
56 minCHANCE! Wonderful chance for Ghilas as the ball falls for the Cordoba forward inside the Atletico box, but Gimenez is on hand to make a super block. Excellent defending from the centre-back.
58 minIn fairness to Cordoba, they have worked their socks off all game, but ultimately, they just have not carried enough of a threat in the final third. Little over 30 minutes of this game remaining.
59 minBOOKING! Gunino (Cordoba) is booked for a poor challenge on Gamez.
61 minOne goal for Cordoba would set up a grandstand finish here, but you just get the feeling that Atletico could raise their level if needed. It is the hosts on the attack with 61 minutes on the clock here.
62 minSUB! Atletico make their second change as Torres replaces Mandzukic.
62 minSUB! Atletico make their second change as Torres replaces Mandzukic.
63 minJust a reminder that, as it stands, Atletico would regain third position in the table, while Cordoba would remain rooted to the bottom of the table. Little over 25 minutes of football remaining here.
64 minHalf-chance for the home side as Cartabia finds space in a wide area, but his low effort was always moving wide of the post. Cordoba are preparing to make their third and final change of the game.
64 minSUB! Cordoba make their final change as Heldon replaces Fidel.
66 minAtletico have not had too much in the way of chances in this second period and that remains the case as we approach the final 20 minutes. It has been a professional performance rather than a strong one.
68 minHeldon finds space in a wide area for the home side before delivering, but it is a comfortable save for Oblak, who releases down-field. Not too much happening at the moment in this La Liga affair.
70 minSUB! Atletico make their third and final change as Turan replaces Griezmann.
72 minCordoba continue to work hard in the final third, but it just is not happening as Ghilas is penalised for a foul on Godin. There is still time for the hosts to turn this one around on their own patch.
74 minHeldon wants a penalty as he drives down the left for Cordoba before going down just inside the box, but the referee was not interested. Again, a lack of an end product costs the home side here.
76 minHalf-chance for Atletico as Turan shows excellent feet outside the box before sliding a pass into Juanfran, who delivers towards Torres, but Crespo is on hand to make a strong clearance. Better from the visitors, but they are still not killing this game off. Cordoba still have a slight chance at 2-0 here.
78 minCROSSBAR! Cordoba come close to registering for the first time this afternoon as Bebe strikes one from outside the box, but his effort thumps against the crossbar. Super strike from the attacker!
80 minAtletico threaten from a couple of set pieces in quick succession and Turan comes close to registering from the second, but the offside flag had been raised before Juan Carlos made an excellent save.
80 minBOOKING! Juanfan (Atletico) is booked for a late challenge on Heldon.
81 minCLOSE! Bebe stands over the resulting set piece, but his effort smashes the side netting.
83 minCordoba have been the better team in the second period, but Atletico are still leading 2-0 as we enter the business end of the match. The hosts are heading for another loss, but it has been a good display.
85 minSAVE! Stunning save from Oblak! The Atletico goalkeeper keeps his side's clean sheet in tact as he somehow saves a header from Crespo, which looked destined for the top corner. Excellent!
86 minCordoba are simply all over Atletico at the moment here.
88 minAtletico have been really poor in this second period there is no question about that. It does appear, however, that the visitors will claim all the points, which is the most important at this stage.
90 minI shouldn't think that there will be too much injury time at the end of the 90 minutes.
90 min+1The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional two minutes.
90 min+2Cordoba continue to press in the final moments, but it does appear that Atletico will keep their clean sheet in tact as Ghilas heads wide in possibly the last chance of the match.
90 min+3FULL-TIME: Cordoba 0-2 Atletico
6.51pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Atletico running out 2-0 winners at Cordoba to return to third spot. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!
