Madrid - A 2-1 win away to Betis on Wednesday consolidates solid Valencia in fourth place in the Spanish Liga.
Valencia scored their fifth straight win thanks to two more goals from Euro 2008 top scorer David Villa, who now has 25 - just one less than league top hitman Samuel Eto'o of leaders Barcelona.
Villa struck first in the 66th minute of a dull game, flicking in a tempting near-post centre from fellow Spain striker Juan Mata.
14 minutes later Villa made it 2-0 after a clever combination between Joaquin and Edu.