LaLiga 2018-19: Athletic Bilbao 0-0 FC Barcelona: Hits and Flops

Athletic Bilbao frustrate Barcelona with a show of resilience
Athletic Bilbao frustrate Barcelona with a show of resilience

#3 Hit: Raul Garcia

Garcia tries the scissor kick
Garcia tries the scissor kick

Athletic Bilbao's chief orchestrator, Raul Garcia turned in an impressive performance as the attacking midfielder. He was a relentless source of opportunities for his side, a constant threat to the visitors, and also helping out at the back when on backfoot.

In the first-half when Los Leones were the better side, Garcia was the beneficiary of two good chances. Firstly, he connected well with a cross inside the area and tried a scissor-kick that was saved well by Ter Stegan, then fired an effort just wide off the post although that took a deflection off Sergi Roberto while on its way out of play.

Even though the former Atletico Madrid midfielder couldn't pile on in the attack much after the break, he nonetheless made his presence felt at the back. In all, he won 10 aerial duels and also completed five successful tackles, both of which are the highest in the game.

Garcia's physicality gave the mighty Barcelona a tough time, and would only be hard-pressed not to have won the man of the match award despite such a terrific all-round performance.

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