The win sees Valencia leapfrog Levante in the table. Levante have now lost their last two matches after a nine-game unbeaten start to the campaign and drop to fourth in the classification.
Jordi Alba opened the scoring after 30 minutes after a beautiful pass from Tino Costa. It was the only moment of pass in a first half littered with fouls as the two local rivals showed there is no love lost between them.
Costa's swerving free kick, which was horribly misjudged by Levante keeper Gustavo Munua, just four minutes after halftime doubled Valencia's lead.
Levante threw all they could at Valencia for the rest of the game, but were unable to break down a well marshalled defence in which Adil Rami and Victor Ruiz were outstanding.
The day kicked off with Mallorca and Sevilla drawing 0-0 in a rain lashed Iberostar Stadium in Mallorca. The result will keep Sevilla in the top six, but Mallorca coach Joaquin Caparros is still looking for a win after five games in charge.
Mallorca had the better of the few chances in the game against a Sevilla side that looked content with a point.
Finally Betis ended a six game losing streak with a 0-0 draw at home to Malaga. Betis deserved more from a poor match than their rivals, but can at least take consolation that they have taken their first point in seven matches.