Almeria vs Cordoba preview - Mauro - Don't let Cordoba escape

Almeria defender Mauro dos Santos has warned his side Friday's home meeting with Cordoba is exactly the sort of game they need to be winning.

Both teams go into the game with only one point from their opening two games of the Primera Division season.

The hosts lost 1-0 at Getafe in their last game before the international break, with their opponents faring better in a 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo.

Mauro, the Argentinian centre-back who joined Almeria from Murcia in the summer, said on the club's official website: "At home we can not let points escape.

"We have to go up in threes and that is what we want to do against Cordoba, although the game will not be easy - quite the opposite."

Newly-promoted Cordoba have not looked out of place in the top flight, losing 2-0 to Real Madrid at the Bernabeu -only due to a last-minute Cristiano Ronaldo goal - then coming from behind to hold Celta.

Dos Santos added: "I saw them play against Real Madrid and against Celta and I liked what I saw. They are a good team."

Cordoba's Jose Angel Crespo missed the Celta match, but is fit again and in contention to return to the team on Friday night.

The full-back, on loan from Bologna, knows his side will find it tough at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterraneos.

"Almeria make their stadium a fortress," he said.