Valencia, April 9 (IANS): A header by Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno in the 7th minute helped the home team beat Espanyol 1-0 here.

The victory moved Valencia into 3rd place in the Spanish First Division standings above Real Madrid, reports Efe.

The early goal set the tone for a game in which Espanyol exercised longer periods of ball control than the local team and although this allowed it to create certain dangerous conditions, almost all of them developed at midfield and never got close to the net.

Valencia, although possessing the ball less than its rivals, also managed to create some excitement throughout the match, and was on the point of raising the score on several occasions, including one involving Guedes and another Zaza about half an hour into play.

In the final minute of play, after Sergio Garcia was brought in, Espanyol dominated the match and was able to get close to Valencia's goal, although it was not able to secure the draw.

The match was played in Mestall stadium before 36,300 fans.

Espanyol coach Quique Flores did not travel to Valencia because he is suffering from a virus and the team was handled by assistant coach Antonio Diaz.

At the end of the 31st week of La Liga play, Barcelona is out front with 79 points, followed by Atletico Madrid with 68 and Valencia with 65.