Two debut goals powered Atlético Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Valencia at the Mestalla, leaving the hosts facing an uneasy run-in to the end of the season.
The game began at a sluggish pace, with little to separate the sides early on. However, the visitors sparked into life midway through the first half, carving out a gilt-edged chance.
A clever backheel from Nahuel Molina released Rodrigo Mendoza, but the forward was thwarted by a crucial block from Stole Dimitrievski.
Molina then nearly stole the spotlight himself moments later, unleashing a stunning long-range strike that rattled the woodwork.
Atlético continued to threaten as the break approached but lacked the clinical edge to convert their dominance.
Robin Le Normand wasted a clear opening from close range, firing over the bar, before Rayane Belaid nodded wide from another pinpoint Molina delivery.
Valencia, despite being second best for much of the half, almost snatched the lead against the run of play.
Largie Ramazani struck the post with a powerful effort from distance, offering a warning to the visitors.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both sides struggling to find rhythm in the early exchanges.
Atlético again missed a promising opportunity just after the hour mark, as Belaid failed to hit the target from a good position inside the box.
Just as the match appeared destined for a stalemate, Atlético finally made their breakthrough in the 74th minute. Debutant Iker Luque marked his first appearance in style, drilling a composed finish into the bottom corner from outside the area.
The goal silenced the Mestalla crowd, and Valencia were unable to mount a meaningful response.
Their hopes were effectively ended late on when another debutant, Miguel Cubo, applied the finishing touch, converting Antoine Griezmann’s incisive pass with a powerful strike beyond Dimitrievski.
The result leaves Valencia 12th in the standings, only five points clear of the relegation zone with four matches remaining, and under pressure to respond when they face Athletic Bilbao next.
Atlético, meanwhile, consolidate fourth place and will now turn their focus to a crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
