Atletico Madrid vs. Cordoba: Winners and Losers from La Liga Game

As the only team in the league without a win prior to kick-off, it was always going to be extremely difficult for Cordoba to get anything from the Vicente Calderon.

Atletico Madrid are not only the champions of Spain, but had scored in 13 successive league games at home and kept eight clean sheets, via FourFourTwo.

The Andalusians are in their first season in the top-flight, and they are already on to their second manager.

Miroslav Djukic replaced Albert Ferrer less than a fortnight ago, with the hope that he can change their fortunes.

It was a good opportunity for Atletico to keep the pressure on the top four sides and potentially move into the area should any of the teams above them slip-up.

Here are the winners and losers from the La Liga game.

Winner: Antoine Griezmann

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It has been a difficult start for Antoine Griezmann to his Atletico career, as the former Real Sociedad player hadn't scored in the league.

"I have a feeling that as soon as Antoine Griezmann finds his place on the pitch, he will be very dangerous for our rivals," explained manager Diego Simeone, per MSN.

It looked as though it was going to be another frustrating evening for the winger after a good move from the home side saw Arda Turan cut the ball back for Griezmann.

The Frenchman had lost his marker by moving towards the edge of the area, but his strike on the half-turn was void of power and easily blocked.

His fortune changed just before half-time, as Griezmann feigned a shot with his right foot before dragging it onto his left.

The effort appeared to be heading wide, but a huge deflection opened the scoring.

In the second half, his powerful header restored the lead for his team after Cordoba had pulled level.

It's perhaps a little early to state that he's back in form, but, in the words of Simeone, everyone will be hoping that "the important kid will become the important man."

Winner: Mario Mandzukic

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The forward scored Atleti's third of the game and made it four goals in his last five appearances, via WhoScored.com.

With plenty of crosses coming into the box, the Croatian is causing problems for opposing defenders and is clearly enjoying his football once again. You can see the kind of service he received via FourFourTwo Stats Zone's Passes Received map.

His physical presence enabled the rest of his attacking teammates the room to manoeuvre.

Loser: Juanfran

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The converted winger looked far from convincing defensively and was at fault for both goals scored by Cordoba.

Forward Nabil Ghilas was the one to benefit from Juanfran's generosity.

The right-back completely lost Ghilas from a corner, and his scoring header gave the away team some hope at 1-1.

Then, for Cordoba's consolation effort at the end of the game, the ball hit him on the back of the head as he turned away from the cross and then failed to clear the ball at the second attempt.

It's worrying how easy it was for Ghilas to find the back of the net on both occasions, and Juanfran will need to concentrate better in the bigger matches and rectify his mistakes.

Winner: Koke

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Last week, the playmaker was in a deeper role, but here he was restored to his left-sided midfield position.

Koke provided another two assists and created four goalscoring opportunities in the game, via FourFourTwo Stats Zone.

However, he needs to add more goals to his game, although he very nearly did when his superb attempt hit the crossbar early in the match.