Espanyol took another giant step towards Primera Division survival and continued their impressive recent run with a comprehensive victory over in-form Valencia at Montjuic.
Following an evenly-contested first hour, Argentinian midfielder Roman Martinez struck an excellent opener and with seven minutes left, compatriot Nico Pareja doubled the Catalans' lead with a brilliant free-kick.
The hosts wrapped up a fine win deep into stoppage time, when Nene made it three from the penalty spot.
Espanyol's recent revival has been dramatic.
Mauricio Pochettino's side recently spent five consecutive weeks at the bottom of the table, but had won three games in a row prior to this one to move out of the bottom three for the first time since mid-December.
Valencia were also in form in the lead-up to this clash.
Unai Emery's side were affected by problems on and off the pitch earlier this year, but came into this match on the back of five straight wins and a creditable draw at home to Barcelona.
With both sides on form, the first half was predictably even.
Luis Garcia saw his shot deflected wide after 10 minutes as Espanyol pressured.
And at the other end, Alexis drilled an effort off target for Valencia two minutes later.
Ivan Alonso then came close for Espanyol and Miguel fired wide for the visitors as the game opened up.
David Silva saw his effort from the edge of the area well saved by Carlos Kameni later on and Alonso blasted wildly off target following a smart move involving Ivan De La Pena and Raul Tamudo shortly before the break.
There was little to choose between the two sides at this stage and the pattern of the game continued in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
But Pochettino changed the game with a key substitution after 63 minutes.
Roman replaced Alonso and two minutes later, the Argentinian fired the home side into the lead.
Luis Garcia was set up by De La Pena, but saw his passage blocked in the area and the ball fell to Roman, who blasted a fierce left-footed drive into the top corner from just outside the area.
Nene, Tamudo and Luis Garcia all came close to extending Espanyol's lead after that as the hosts continued to dominate.
Pochettino's side looked a much more cohesive attacking unit with Roman on the pitch, but it was another Argentinian who put the home side two up with seven minutes left.
Espanyol won a free-kick just outside the area and defender Pareja beat Cesar Sanchez with a powerful dead ball to virtually guarantee the three points for the home side.
And the Catalans secured victory in added time.
Between them, Pablo Hernandez and Miguel brought down Rufete and Nene made no mistake from the spot.
Espanyol are now four points clear of the drop zone with four games left, and their recent form suggests relegation is unlikely.
Valencia, meanwhile, remain in fourth place, one point clear of Villarreal.
