New Delhi: Miguel Flano's second half goal gave Osasuna a first division lifeline as they leapt out of the bottom three and left Valencia clearly frustrated that they had failed to cement themselves into the top four.
The hosts held out from a late barrage from their guests in the Reyno de Navarra in what turned out to be a bad-tempered final few minutes with the tension threatening to boil over.
Osasuna's passionate home fans reacted to everything that happened on the pitch and Valencia's were clearly affected by the atmosphere and the home side's tactics.
In the build-up to the encounter there was talk that it may not go ahead because of the freezing conditions in Navarro, but the two teams certainly did not feel the cold once the game began.
Valencia may have won eight matches in Mestalla, but on the road their frustrations continued as they succumbed to their fifth reverse and could not capitalise on those around them struggling this weekend.
Unai Emery may complain that his side deserved something from a game that saw them create several chances to at least take a share of the spoils although Osasuna may state that they did enough to win.
Jose Antonio Camacho ordered his team on from the sidelines with appeals that matched the ferocity of the noise from the stands as the action on the pitch kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
After David Villa had taken aim early on, Osasuna caused Cesar to work hard as they put the former Real Madrid, Real Zaragoza and Tottenham Hotspur keeper under pressure.
The home team were not playing like a side that are battling against the drop as the signs of improvement continue unabated under their inspirational coach.
But while there were no goals, there was always the concern that Valencia's speed on the counter could catch them out and on the half hour mark David Silva went close before shooting wide five minutes later.
Osasuna began the second period as they had ended the first as they took the game to Valencia, but again they had to remain thankful that los Che were not firing on all cylinders in front of goal as Ruben Baraja and Juanma Mata saw attempts fail to register.
That wastefulness was to cost the away side in the 56th minute as Patxi Punal's free-kick was met by Miguel Flano at the far post and he dived forwards to head into the net before wheeling away in celebration.
It was to prove to be a precious effort and one that Osasuna were determined to defend even though there was over half an hour to go with Valencia looking to press more and more.
Roberto made a number of comfortable stops, but he earned himself some headlines in the closing moments by throwing his body in the way of Emiliano Moretti's head to keep the ball out at point blank range.
That was to prove to be as crucial as the goal and with full time approaching tensions almost boiled over with Carlos Marchena and Manuel Fernandes showing their frustrations.
At the end Cesar and Miguel both had run-ins with Osasuna players and officials after the visiting players had surrounded the referee to voice their complaints, but there was nothing but celebrations from the home players.
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