According to Superdeporte, Valencia have strung together two LaLiga wins, lifting Mestalla and easing the pressure, yet their cushion above the drop is only two points with 17 games to play.
Elsewhere, Levante edged Elche 3-2, finding fresh air under their new coach and restoring belief in a survival push.
Alavés’ victory not only lifted them out of the relegation zone, it also dented Valencia’s next opponents, Betis, ahead of matchday 22. Sevilla also beat Athletic Club 2-1 to continue their uptick.
Atlético de Madrid brushed aside Mallorca 3-0, leaving the islanders on 21 points, two fewer than Valencia and level with Getafe. José Bordalás’s team occupy 18th with a game in hand, and close matchday 21 on Monday at Girona, having lost to Valencia last week.
If Getafe win or draw they will climb out and Mallorca would drop into the bottom three. Behind them, Levante are on 17 points with a match in hand against Villarreal on 18 February.
The fight remains razor-tight. Valencia sit 14th and cannot relax, as a couple of slips could pull them back, and a tough run-in looms. La Real are up to 27 after three straight wins, the last a 3-1 over Celta.
