Valencia started the day three points adrift of Real Sociedad, but were unable to make any inroads as Ivan Rosado (pictured) scored what proved to be the winning goal on six minutes, flicking a header past Santiago Canizares.
Alaves are struggling themselves, but they were never in danger of defeat against Recreativo.
Ruben Navarro and Magno Mocelin scored in the opening quarter-hour, with Adrian Ilie capping a fine display with a goal on 53 minutes.
Real Sociedad preserved La Liga`s only unbeaten record, coming away from their trip to Real Madrid with a creditable 0-0 draw.
Raul hit a post for the home side, while Esteban Cambiasso was denied by Sander Westerveld. Sociedad were not without chances, though, with Iker Casillas producing a fine save from Nihat. Darko Kovacevic twice hit a post as the game travelled from end to end.
Real Betis returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 2-1 home win over Celta Vigo.
Celta are sure to feel hard done by, as they led only to succumb to a contentious late winner to Betis.
The visitors were the better team for long periods and deservedly took the lead through Jose Ignacio who drilled the ball home on 64 minutes.
Betis fashioned a response, with Alfonso bundling the ball home 20 minutes from time.
The goal sparked the home side into life, and they laid siege on the Celtic penalty area in the final 15 minutes.
Chances were spurned before Denilson broke clear. The Brazilian looked certain to score, but he chose to square the ball to Joaquin who rolled the ball into an empty net.
Celta were not happy with the award, and replays showed that Joaquin was clearly offside when he received the ball, but the goal stood and Betis took the points.
Atletico Madrid came from a goal behind to snatch a late win at Espanyol.
Maxi Rodriguez put the home side in front shortly after the break, but Luis Garcia and Jose Garcia Calvo scored goals in the final 12 minutes to turn the game in Atletico`s favour.
Jon Andoni Alonso Bolo fired Rayo Vallecano in front in the first-half, but Ismael Urzaiz and Aitor Larrazabal scored late goals, the latter a penalty, to give Athletic Bilbao a fine 2-1 home win.
Ismael Salmeron scored a penalty to fire Racing Santander in front, but Mallorca showed great spirit to keep their title challenge on track.
Second-half goals from Ariel Ibagaza and Walter Pandiani capped the fightback that gave Mallorca a 2-1 win - their seventh consecutive victory.
Valladolid and Malaga played out a 0-0 draw at the Jose Zorrilla.
