Valencia made a good start to 2010 on Saturday, beating defensive Espanyol 1-0 thanks to an injury-time goal from supersub Nikola Zigic, dpa reported.
Zigic, who has hardly started a match since joining from Racing Santander in 2007, headed in a perfect late centre from winger Joaquin four minutes into stoppage time.
It was no more than Valencia deserved, because they had dominated from start to finish. Spain striker David Villa came close to breaking the deadlock on five occasions and hitting the post with a near-post header.
"It was an important goal," said Zigic. He then sent a message to coach Unai Emery, saying that "I hope I can play a little bit more after this."
The last-gasp win takes "Los Ches" up to third, with 32 points from 16 games. They are now two points above Sevilla, who are away to crisis club Atletico Madrid later on Saturday.
Valencia are five points behind second-placed real Madrid, who are away to Osasuna on Sunday.
In their turn, Real are two points behind world champions Barcelona, who are at home to dangerous Villarreal later on Saturday.