With the win, the league powers are still within striking distance of the top spot, six points back of leaders Barcelona, who were also winners Saturday - 2-1 over Deportivo La Coruna at Nou Camp.

Spanish scorer David Villa gave the home side the first goal before Albert Riera equalized for the visitors before Rodriguez Vicente gave Valencia the lead back about 10 minutes later.

That was how the score stayed until after the break when Miguel Angulo gave the home side a two goal advantage in the 59th minute.

Espanyol quickly pulled a goal back through Luis Garcia in the 63rd minute but it wasn't enough as Valencia held on for the win.

In the other La Liga fixtures on Saturday, Real Betis earned a dramatic 3-3 draw with Villarreal on defender Juanito's late equalizer and Real Sociedad earned a 1-0 win over Levante on a first half tally from Jon Ansotegui.