Cordoba (Spain), April 25 (IANS): Athletic Bilbao defeated Cordoba 1-0 to put the vanquished team closer to relegation from the La Liga.

Cordoba wasted several clear scoring opportunities as its winless streak extended to 15 matches after the loss here on Friday, reports Efe.

Bilbao had the stronger start and the long-suffering Cordoba fans began chanting slogans against club management, but the home side improved as the first half wore on.

Cordoba got chances, especially in the final minutes of the first half, yet could not convert, and the attacking strategy eventually caught up with the squad in the second half.

In the 57th minute, a Cordoba giveaway put the ball at the feet of Athletic's Benat Etxebarria, whose shot was headed wide until defender Deivid's attempted clearance sent the ball past goalkeeper Juan Carlos and into the net.

Cordoba squandered a trio of decent chances after the own goal and is left with 20 points in 33 matches, eight points away from safety.

Athletic, meanwhile, remains in eighth place with 44 points and can realistically aspire to qualifying for one of Spain's Europa League berths.