Espanyol prevailed 2-1 against Athletic Club Bilbao in a wild match, thanks to two goals from Sergio García, and the saving hands of their goalkeeper, Cristián Álvarez. After going up 1-0 in the first half thanks to a brilliant header courtesy of García, Espanyol seemed to go to sleep after the trip through the dressing rooms, and the leones came out roaring.
Full Time, Espanyol 2-1 Athletic Bilbao: Sergio García Double Gives Pericos Win In Wild Match
After an extended period of possession, the "Lion King" Fernando Llorente smashed home a corner in the 62nd minute to level the score at one all. It's really crazy how good Llorente is in the air--every time Athletic swings in a cross from the flanks, you half expect to see him rise up and head the ball, even when you know he's nowhere near the ball.
After the goal, Espanyol woke up a bit and started fighting back; the action became very back and forth, with the squads exchanging fast paced attacks until the 73rd minute, when Sergio García received a pass in the area, flicked the ball over Athletic keeper Iraizoz with his knee, then athletically volleyed the ball into the back of the net.
It was a truly sensational goal, though I can’t help but place most of the blame on Iraizoz, whose very silly-looking save attempt allowed Sergio García to retrieve the ball alone in front of goal. Still, I shouldn’t take anything away from García, who is deservedly the man of the match.
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