Almeria are still in search of their first win of the new La Liga season after being held to a 1-1 draw by newly-promoted Cordoba in Andalusia.

Both goals came in the opening 20 minutes as Edgar Mendez gave the hosts a 12th-minute lead, before Federico Cartabia grabbed Cordoba a quick equaliser.

Albert Ferrer's side are also looking for their first victory since returning to the Spanish top flight for the first time in 42 years, but two draws and a two-goal loss to Real Madrid represents a reasonable start to their campaign.

Tommer Hemed twice shot wide early on before Mendez found the net by smartly opening up his body to guide a side-footed volley from Ximo Navarro's cross inside Juan Carlos's far post.

Cordoba were level seven minutes later when Cartabia lost the ball dribbling into the box from the right flank, only to collect Fidel's clever reverse pass and drill under Ruben for his second goal of the season.

Mike Havenaar glanced a header wide from close range for the visitors, but Almeria also threatened before the break through Fernando Soriano and Wellington, who shot narrowly wide from a free kick.

Cordoba had the clearer second-half chances, the best of which fell to Nabil Ghilas in stoppage time, but he shot straight at Ruben when through one-on-one with the Almeria keeper as the points were shared.