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Raul Garcia is a legend of the Madrid Derby and the iconic number ‘8’ in Atleti’s 2013/14 LALIGA-winning side.
Raul Garcia's illustrious career has cemented his status as a true legend of Spanish football over the last two decades.
From his humble beginnings at Osasuna to becoming a stalwart for Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, García's journey is one that captures the essence of LALIGA's competitiveness and the passion of its fans.
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22:00 - 25.09.2024
Barcelona vs Getafe: Lewandowski fires Hansi Flick's side to 7th straight league win
Barcelona win their seventh consecutive league game to maintain a four-point margin at the top of LALIGA.
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Ahead of the next Madrid Derby, here are seven (7) interesting facts about the former Atleti superstar.
1. A Homegrown Talent
Born in Pamplona in 1986, García was a product of his hometown club CA Osasuna’s world-renowned Tajonar youth academy.
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He would go on to make his LALIGA debut for Osasuna in 2004 at the tender age of 18. Garcia faced none other than LaLiga giants FC Barcelona in his first appearance in the league.
He ended as the player with the third-most appearances in the competition’s history, his 609 appearances behind only fellow legends Joaquín Sánchez and Andoni Zubizarreta, both tied on 622.
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2. Indispensable Midfielder
After impressing at Osasuna, where he scored 26 goals in 126 matches, García joined Atlético Madrid in 2007 and became a crucial part of the team.
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After a shaky start to life in Madrid, Garcia helped the club to win the UEFA Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the 2013/14 LALIGA title.
3. The Madrid Derby Dominance
García faced Real Madrid a staggering 45 times throughout his career, more than any other opponent.
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His iconic victories, including a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu in 2013, cemented his status as a LALIGA legend.
In all, the Rojiblancos and Los Blancos faced-off 15 times between 2012 and 2015m Garcia and Atleti picked up five wins in that four-year period.
4. Atlético Trophy Haul
During his time at the Wanda Metropolitano, García won a host of trophies for Diego Simeone;s men.
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His trophy cabinet includes the 2013 Copa del Rey, the 2014 LALIGA title, and the 2014 Spanish Super Cup.
5. The Heartbreak of Lisbon
One of the few disappointments in García's career was Atlético Madrid's agonising loss to Real Madrid in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final in Lisbon.
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6. New Challenge at Bilbao
In 2015, García embarked on a new chapter, signing for Athletic Bilbao after a brilliant career at Atletico.
At Bilbao, his nine-year spell with Los Leones (‘The Lions’) was as iconic as his exploits at his previous clubs.
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The LaLiga legend racked up 363 appearances and 84 goals in red and white.
7. Retiring on a High
García's career culminated with the 2024 Copa del Rey triumph, as he led Athletic Bilbao to their first major title in 40 years, scoring a penalty in the decisive shootout.
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Raúl García's remarkable journey, spanning three iconic LALIGA clubs, has cemented his place as a true icon of Spanish football, leaving an indelible mark on the game and the hearts of fans across the country.
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