Roberto Soldado scored the only goal of the game as Valencia defeated Osasuna 1-0 in tonight's La Liga clash.
The hosts first threatened on the 20-minute mark, with Roland Lamah's left-footed strike from outside the area flying narrowly wide of post.
Valencia created an opportunity of their own moments later when Tino Costa's cross was met by the head of Adil Rami, whose effort went high and wide.
Visiting goalkeeper Asier Riesgo was tested in the 27th minute, producing a stop to deny Oier from range.
More end-to-end action ensued as Soldado came painfully close at the other end, his short-range effort skimming the post on its way behind.
Soldado continued to terrorise the Osasuna defence, and it crumbled in the 56th minute when the striker gave his marker the slip and slotted the ball past Andres Fernández to make it 1-0.
The home side almost responded immediately when Damia's cross found Oier in the box, only for the defender to put his effort into the stand.
Valencia defended well after taking the lead, restricting their opponents to long-range strikes. Lolo fired over on 65 minutes and Alvaro Cejudo shot wide three minutes later.
Shot-stopper Asier Riesgo did his part to preserve his team's lead in the closing stages, pulling off saves to deny first Roland Lamah, then Cejudo to ensure the match finished 1-0.
Mark Langshaw
