Juan Iglesias settled a poor-quality contest with a late header, giving Sevilla their first win over Valencia in seven meetings after three draws and three defeats.

There was little to excite the home supporters during a scrappy opening half. Sevilla appealed for a penalty after Iglesias went down inside the area in the 10th minute, but the referee waved play on.

The visitors were also forced into an early change when Cesar Tarrega suffered a hamstring problem, while a congested midfield prevented either side from establishing control.

The lack of attacking quality was evident before half-time, with only five attempts produced between the teams and neither goalkeeper seriously tested. Isaac Romero sent one of Sevilla's better chances high over the crossbar with a wild volley.

Sevilla improved after the break and almost took the lead five minutes into the second half when Kike Salas produced a powerful downward header, only for Stole Dimitrievski to make an excellent save.

From the resulting corner, Lucas Stassin came even closer as his header struck the foot of the post.

The hosts continued to apply pressure and Youssouf Fofana forced Dimitrievski into another save with a low drive, but the match soon returned to its scrappy pattern.

Valencia then came close to stealing the points when David Otorbi struck the woodwork late on.

However, Sevilla finally found the breakthrough. Iglesias rose to meet a free-kick and produced a looping header that beat Dimitrievski to give the hosts a precious lead.

Sevilla held on to claim a clean sheet and their first victory in this fixture in seven attempts. It was only their third shutout in 26 matches this year.

The defeat extended Valencia's difficult start to the season, leaving them without a win after five league games. It was also Carlos Corberan's first defeat against Sevilla since becoming Valencia coach, following two wins and three draws in the fixture.

Juan Iglesias scores late vs Valencia as Sevilla climb into La Liga top four