Apono scored twice as nine-man Real Zaragoza came from a goal down to stun Valencia 2-1 at the Mestalla and claim a huge three points in their survival bid.
The Primera Division basement boys looked destined for a 17th loss of the season when a goal and a man down after only 21 minutes, but frustrated their hosts and snatched victory thanks to Apono's accurate finish 13 minutes from time.
Pablo put the third-placed hosts in front after only nine minutes and they looked in for a comfortable evening when Pablo Alvarez was sent off in the 21st minute.
But Apono, the midfielder on loan from Malaga, levelled from the spot nine minutes later and, with Valencia unable to make the most of their chances, put the visitors ahead deep into the second half.
Zaragoza lost Franco Zuculini to a second yellow card in the 88th minute, but held on for a much-needed win.
Valencia started brightly and Aritz Aduriz had a shot from the edge of the six-yard box blocked by goalkeeper Roberto Jimenez in the second minute.
They went ahead in the ninth minute, top scorer Roberto Soldado this time the provider as he sent in a low cross from the right which Pablo steered low into the net.
Jones fired wide as the hosts continued to threaten and Zaragoza's troubles deepened when Alvarez was shown a straight red card for a foul on Aduriz.
But the 10 men drew level on the half-hour mark when Angel Dealbert fouled Carlos Aranda in the area and Apono placed the resulting penalty low into the corner.
Valencia looked for a response before the break and Jimenez had to tip over an effort from inside the area from Soldado before Aduriz headed wide.
The hosts kept up the pressure as the second half got under way and Soldado directed a header over the bar, while Aduriz and Pablo both worked Jimenez with headers.
Valencia were creating shooting chances seemingly with ease without really testing the keeper and were made to pay for that lack of a cutting edge in the 77th minute.
Apono showed them how to finish with a left-footed shot rifled into the top left-hand corner from the edge of the area from Angel Lafita's pass.
Zuculini was sent off after picking up a second booking for a foul on Jordi Alba, but the nine men held out to seal a crucial three points.
