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Garcia double edges Athletic closer to European spots in win at Valencia

Alex Caparros / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Madrid, July 1, 2020 (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.

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.

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