Hugo Duro scored two goals and Javi Gras added a goal as Valencia won 3-0 over its guest, Atletico Madrid, in the Spanish Premier League on Saturday.
Valencia, which had lost in the last two rounds, surpassed its rival, Atletico, who had not lost in the league this season before this match, but suffered from several absences and a decline in the pace of play after the postponement of its match before the international break against Sevilla last month.
Doro gave the hosts an early lead with a shot from a tight angle from the left side after five minutes, and added the second goal in the 34th minute after a quick counterattack.
Javi Guerra scored the third goal with a wonderful shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 54th minute, amid loud celebrations at the Mestalla Stadium.
Valencia achieved its first victory over Atletico since 2014 and advanced to fifth place with nine points.
Coach Diego Simeone’s team, which occupies seventh place with seven points, will play against Lazio in the opening of its campaign in the group stage of the Champions League next Tuesday, before competing in the capital’s summit against Real Madrid the following Sunday.
