With Mozambican international Bruno Langa in the starting lineup, Almería beat Córdoba 3-0 away from home and retook the lead in the Spanish Second Division with 42 points, three more than second-placed Racing de Santander, who have 39.
Luis Suárez opened the scoring in the 31st minute, converting a penalty. In the second half, Léo Baptistão doubled the lead in the 51st minute, and Melamed Ribaudo sealed the victory in the 69th minute.
JM Calderón's expulsion, right at the start of the second half, in the 46th minute, left Córdoba at a numerical disadvantage and facilitated Almería's dominance, which controlled the game and secured three crucial points in the fight for promotion.
With this victory, Almería increases the pressure on its opponents and strengthens its position as the main contender for the title and promotion to La Liga. Now, the Andalusian team focuses on its next challenge, the Copa del Rey round of 16, where it will face Leganés on January 15th.
