Substitute Pablo García struck four minutes after coming on, converting a Fran García cross in the 83rd minute to hand Real Betis a 1-0 win at Mestalla. It opened Manuel Pellegrini's LaLiga campaign with back-to-back wins and left Carlos Corberán's Valencia still searching for their first points.
Pellegrini made wholesale changes to his back line after a full pre-season, and the gamble paid off.
"First, defensive concentration. Maybe a lot of people were surprised that we changed the whole back four, but we're coming off a pre-season that just finished. We have to play eight games in 26 days, so I didn't feel it was a risk because I'd seen the performances of all eight defenders throughout pre-season," the Chilean coach said.
"I'm very happy to have been able to rotate the squad, and we're all pulling in the same direction to get results."
Pellegrini pointed to another clean sheet and a well-organised defensive display as the foundation, though he conceded Betis lacked attacking fluency.
"In the first half especially, we had little creation, little mobility to hurt Valencia more. They also had only one clear chance, so it was an even game that a great goal decided," he said.
Asked about Pablo García's immediate transfer future, Pellegrini closed the door on speculation.
"That's a closed subject for me. As long as they're in the squad, they'll be players I use — Pablo García, Nelson Deossa, whoever it is. What's being said about Pablo is just speculation. We still have a week to try to close a squad that lets us compete in both the Champions League and the league."
Corberán defended the back-five system that could not prevent defeat.
"What I wanted was to avoid unforced losses so we wouldn't be exposed defensively. The back five didn't stop us controlling the game. The start was very good, and to create chances it's important to win the ball back. They scored on a counter," he said, rejecting the idea that Valencia's shape was to blame.
The Valencia coach also pushed back on suggestions the Mestalla crowd needed to show patience.
"It's unfair to ask the fans for patience. The atmosphere was sensational, they backed us from minute one despite us having a day less rest. The team emptied the tank. We're hurting and we accept the criticism," he said, before turning to the transfer window. "At the top end we need to look at bringing in one or two players. Arnau is close, but the focus is on attacking positions. The club wants to close the market there."
Corberán insisted his side had done enough not to lose.
"We've struggled to keep the initial energy. We have to work on our attacking and defensive consistency. We did enough not to have lost. After the goal the team didn't fold. Otorbi left a good impression," he said, while acknowledging the frustration around the ground. "I understand the fans' frustration, but until the very last play their support was excellent. That's part of our job."