Valencia tightened their grip on third spot in the La Liga table with a 3-0 victory from their trip to Athletic Bilbao this evening.
Roberto Soldado was the hero for the away side, netting all three goals for Los Ches.
His first arrived in the 41st minute when he capitalised on some hesitant home defending to score from inside the six-yard box.
The Spanish international doubled his and Valencia's tally for the match in the 57th minute when he converted a cross from left-back Jordi Alba.
Soldado claimed his third of the match five minutes from time, scoring a penalty after Mikel San Jose had penalised for handball inside the area.
Bilbao's misery was compounded when Andoni Iraola was handed his marching orders for a second caution.
The hosts remain seventh as a result of the loss.
Liam Apicella
