AFP

Garcia double edges Athletic to European 'goal' with Valencia win

Madrid (AFP) – Veteran midfielder Raul Garcia scored twice to move Athletic Bilbao three points from the Europa League places in a 2-0 win at Valencia on Wednesday.

Garcia, 33, took his tally for the season up to 13 with his efforts either side of the break at the Mestalla.

“We are a group of friends who try to fight with everything we have. Being in Europe is the goal,” Garcia said.

Voro took charge for the first time of Valencia after Albert Celades was sacked on Monday after a loss to local rivals Villarreal.

The hosts drop to 10th five points behind Villarreal in sixth spot and the final Europa League berth with both sides having three games of the La Liga campaign to play.

Garcia, who joined the Basque club in 2015, opened his account after 13 minutes slotting home a low Inaki Williams cross.

He added a second goal two minutes into the second half with a long-range shot which fired past Valencia goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen into the top corner.

Athletic host league leaders Real Madrid on Sunday after Valencia head to Granada a day earlier.

200+ Channels & Local Sports
  • Price: Plans starting at $14.99/mo (Latino)
  • Watch Ligue 1, Copa Libertadores & World Cup Qualifiers
Every MLS Match in One Place
  • Price: $12.99/mo (Now included with standard subscription)
  • Watch every MLS regular season game, Playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
  • Price: $11.99/mo (or ESPN Unlimited for $29.99/mo)
  • Features LaLiga, Bundesliga, FA Cup & NWSL
2,000+ Soccer Games Per Year
  • Price: Starting at $8.99/mo
  • Features Champions League, Serie A & Europa League
Home of the Premier League
  • Price: Starting at $10.99/mo
  • 175+ Exclusive EPL matches per season

EDITORS’ PICKS