David Silva was the star of the show as Valencia ran out convincing winners against Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla.
The classy midfielder was recalled for his first start since the opening day of the season and gave a virtuoso display, scoring twice to cap a morale-boosting night for Unai Emery's men.
David Villa had earlier given Los Che the lead from the penalty spot, although the visitors did threaten to take something out of the game when Diego Forlan halved a two-goal deficit from 12 yards on the stroke of half-time.
Atletico had climbed above Valencia for the first time this season in the final weekend before the winter break and it was clearly something the hosts were eager to address in a breathless first half.
Villa thought he had scored inside two minutes when he raced on to a through-ball from Miguel and slotted home but referee Rodriguez Santiago ruled the goal out for a push on Johnny Heitinga, although it appeared the Dutchman had slipped of his own accord on the greasy surface.
It was a decision that incensed the Mestalla crowd and their fury only intensified when they had a further effort disallowed for offside on five minutes, Silva heading the ball over the line from two yards after Juan Mata had struck the crossbar when fed by Villa.
Silva then gave further warning of his goal threat on 18 minutes, ghosting into the six-yard box to meet a Joaquin cross but he could not get enough contact on the ball to direct it inside the far post.
Valencia then had strong appeals for a penalty waved away on the half-hour mark when Villa was barged from behind by Luis Perea as he went to meet a Joaquin cross.
The disapproval of the home fans now at fever pitch and it was perhaps no surprise when Santiago finally wilted by pointing to the spot moments later, although there appeared to be very little contact as Ruben Baraja went down inside the box.
Villa stepped up and made no mistake, sending Franco the wrong way from 12 yards, and five minutes later the hosts had doubled their advantage.
Miguel robbed Mariano Pernia on the halfway and galloped down the right before feeding the ball inside to Silva, who went between two defenders with his first touch and poked the ball past Franco with his next.
Valencia were threatening to run riot as the half drew to a close but then Atletico were given a lifeline when Santiago spotted a push from Baraja on Sergio Aguero inside the box.
Forlan found the corner with his spot-kick, although Renan Brito will consider himself unlucky not to have kept it out after getting a firm hand to the ball.
Javier Aguirre's men looked the more purposeful at the start of the second period but their hopes of restoring parity were dashed on 68 minutes when Silva unleashed an unstoppable strike from 25 yards to put the result beyond doubt.
