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David Silva was the star of the show as Valencia ran out convincing winners against Atletico Madrid at the Mestalla tonight.

Highlights

The classy midfielder was recalled for his first start since the opening day of the season and gave a virtuoso display, scoring twice to cap a morale-boosting night for Unai Emery’s men.

David Villa had earlier given Los Che the lead from the penalty spot, although the visitors did threaten to take something out of the game when Diego Forlan halved a two-goal deficit from 12 yards on the stroke of half-time.

Atletico had climbed above Valencia for the first time this season in the final weekend before the winter break and it was clearly something the hosts were eager to address in a breathless first half.

Villa thought he had scored inside two minutes when he raced on to a through-ball from Miguel and slotted home but referee Rodriguez Santiago ruled the goal out for a push on Johnny Heitinga, although it appeared the Dutchman had slipped of his own accord on the greasy surface.

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