Last updated on .From the section European Football

Juan Antonio Pizzi's Valencia reign got off to a winning start after goals by Pablo Piatti and Sofiane Feghouli sunk neighbours Levante at the Mestalla.

Former Spain striker Pizzi, who played for Valencia in 1993-94, was appointed manager external-link on 28 December.

Argentine winger Piatti opened the scoring after a poor headed clearance by defender Loukas Vyntra.

Playing Pizzi New Valencia boss Juan Antonio Pizzi, pictured above between Spain team-mates Abelardo and Fernando Hierro in 1998, won 22 caps for his country, scoring eight goals.

Levante lacked a cutting edge and Algeria international Feghouli doubled the lead after an excellent run.

There will be bigger tests ahead for 45-year-old Pizzi, whose side climbed three places to eighth in the La Liga table.

Los Che remain 10 points off a Champions League spot and have ground to make up in the second half of the season.

They had gone into the winter break reeling from successive defeats to Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid.

But Valencia seldom looked back once Piatti lashed home from inside the area in the 43rd minute after Vyntra's header fell straight at his feet.

Feghouli forced a finger-tip save with a 20-yard effort, while former Tottenham forward Helder Postiga volleyed wastefully wide in the 54th minute.

Levante remain 12th in the table but have now lost six of the last seven league games.

Their best chance fell to David Barral but he was denied by a fine save by Diego Alves on the hour.

Feghouli settled a one-sided Valencia derby after leaving defenders Issam El Adoua and Vyntra trailing in his wake before a composed 74th minute finish.