Valencia captain Dani Parejo stepped up to score a late penalty, sealing a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo and moving Marcelino's men within two points of La Liga leaders Barcelona.
Los Che suffered their first league loss of the season last week, going down 1-0 at Getafe, but they responded with a hard-fought win back on home turf.
Simone Zaza took his La Liga tally for the season to 10 in the 28th minute when he stole in at the near post to flick Parejo's corner past a helpless Ruben Blanco.
But Valencia lost focus emerging for the second half and conceded a scrappy equaliser a minute after the restart.
A deflected cross drifted across the box as Valencia's defence dithered and Maxi Gomez's effort bobbled into the path of Iago Aspas, who poached inside the six-yard box.
Chances came and went for both sides, but victory was Valencia's nine minutes from the end when Nacho Gil tumbled under a weak challenge - Celta fumed at referee Jose Luis Munuera for awarding the spot-kick - and Parejo's effort was too firm for Blanco to handle, ensuring the heat is turned up on Barca before they travel to Villarreal on Sunday.
. keep on winning! 2-1 December 9, 2017
Bizarre Jose Mourinho statement aims to pre-empt punishment after Fenerbahce boss clashes with Galatasaray counterpart
'Andy Robertson has a decision to make as a player, where you either roll your sleeves up and give someone great competition or you accept decisions and say that your time is done.' Alan Shearer on the conundrum facing Arne Slot's Liverpool
