Valencia's precarious financial position forced them into a fire sale of their assets at the end of last season, and David Villa's transfer to Barca for 40 million euros was tipped as the first step in a painful period of re-adjustment for the club.
Villa, who equalled Raul's scoring record for Spain in Scotland on Tuesday with his 44th goal, exited along with David Silva, Nikola Zigic and Carlos Marchena, but two months into the campaign and a new-look Valencia have silenced the doom-mongers to lead the standings with 16 points from six games.
Valencia's astute, low-cost moves in the transfer market have paid off and forwards Roberto Soldado and Aritz Aduriz have quickly found their range, while Spain winger Juan Mata has been given greater freedom to roam.
Coach Unai Emery has played down their strong start, but there are early signs that a third team might be able to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona's hegemony in Spain this season.
"They are doing well. They are a great club and even if two or three players leave, teams like this never suffer," Villa told the Barca website.
"It could be (a good time to play them)," Mata told daily Sport on Thursday. "Also, because it always seems that games just after breaks for internationals are the most difficult for them."
Real Madrid are one point ahead of Barca in third and visit 10th-placed Malaga in Saturday's late game.
Jose Mourinho's side will be hoping the 6-1 pummelling of Deportivo La Coruna last time out, will have ended their doubts in front of goal.
