Valencia needed an Alvaro Negredo penalty 19 minutes from time to see off Getafe 1-0 and move back up to fourth in La Liga on Sunday.
The on-loan Manchester City striker cheekily chipped home the winner from the spot after he had been brought down by Juan Rodriguez inside the area.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s men were worthy winners on chances created, but were nearly made to pay for not putting the game to bed when Pablo Sarabia fired off target with a huge chance to level in stoppage time.
Valencia move two points ahead of Sevilla, who were 3-0 winners over Cordoba on Saturday, and in current posssession of the final Champions League berth.
Later on Sunday, Barcelona can move back to within a point of Real Madrid at the top of the table with victory over Levante at the Camp Nou, whilst champions Atletico Madrid look to maintain their title defence away at Celta Vigo.
Atletico began the day three points behind Barcelona and seven behind Real Madrid who defeated Deportivo La Coruna 2-0 on Saturday. – Agence France-Presse