Espanyol earned a tight 1-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao as the second half of the Spanish league programme kicked off on Saturday, dpa reported.
The only goal came in the 59th minute when Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz failed to hold a shot from Javi Marquez, and former Spain striker Luis Garcia made it 1-0 by netting the rebound.
"It was important for us to win today in order for us to get away from the relegation zone," said Garcia. "It was not an easy game, but we managed to keep our concentration."
Espanyol are now seventh from bottom, with 23 points from 20 games. Bilbao are eighth, with 30 points.
Later on Saturday unbeaten leaders Barcelona are away to midtable Sporting Gijon.
Barca are five points above second-placed Real Madrid, who will be trying to score their first win away to Deportivo Coruna since 1991, in Saturday's late game.
Real will be without the suspended Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as a whole host of injury victims.