Carlos Corberan's Valencia snatched three late points at home against Alaves, with Hugo Duro netting a penalty in the 99th minute to secure the win. Valencia climbed to 12th while Alaves are 16th, just two points clear of the relegation zone.

Alaves, on new coach Quique Sanchez Flores's debut at the helm, took the lead from the penalty spot in the second minute through Lucas Boye after Guido Rodriguez fouled Toni Martinez.

There were chances at both ends in a scrappy but entertaining battle, as Valencia pulled level right at the start of the second half. Javi Guerra calmly fired home after Umar Sadiq teed him up in the box to cheer up Valencia's Mestalla stadium.

Argentine striker Boye nodded Alaves back in front with less than 20 minutes remaining from Denis Suarez's corner. However, Eray Comert struck for Valencia before Duro won and scored his penalty to claim victory for the hosts.

Alaves finished the game with nine men after Jon Pacheco and Ander Guevara were dismissed in the aftermath of the penalty decision, the former for fouling Duro and the latter for his complaints.

"The team kept going and fought to the end... what counts is that we gave everything," Duro told 'Movistar'.

Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano shared a 1-1 draw which left both sides content not to lose and avoid sinking from lower mid-table further towards the bottom three.

On Saturday, La Liga leaders Barcelona restored their four-point gap to Real Madrid at the top of the table with a 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao.

Alvaro Arbeloa's Madrid snatched a last gasp 2-1 win at Celta Vigo on Friday, ahead of Wednesday's challenging Champions League match against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City.

Javi Guerra

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