Madrid: Valencia won 1-0 at Getafe on Sunday to snap a four-game winless funk and lift some of the pressure on coach Miroslav Djukic.
Valencia had lost three straight before the game at the Alfonso Perez Stadium but an impressive first-half strike from Dorlan Pabon sealed the morale-boosting victory.
The Colombian striker unleashed a powerful shot from 30 meters in the 40th minute that flew beyond goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya into the left corner.
Tempers flared at the end as Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita -- who replaced the injured Diego Alves after 13 minutes -- and Getafe defender Alexis Ruano tangled, but Valencia hung on.
Atletico Madrid plays Athletic Bilbao later Sunday, knowing it must win to remain within a point of league leader Barcelona.
