Garen performs an excellent job at countering Akali. He typically wins 53.0 percent of the matches in which the champions compete. Garen's team is 2.0 percent more likely to get first blood in Garen vs. Akali matchups. Garen can block a maximum of two spells per fight. If he blocks one spell, he will be staggered and disabled for three seconds, allowing Akali to attack freely without fear of retaliation. If Garen blocks two spells, however, he will be disarmed for five seconds and become vulnerable to attacks while Akali gains advantage. In order to avoid being disarmed, Garen needs to block her spells quickly after they are cast. Akali has the ability to redirect her spells. This ability can only be used if there is something preventing her from casting her spells directly. For example, if she is hit with a melee attack or takes damage from an area of effect spell, she can use her reaction to redirect its path toward another target. Redirected spells cannot be redirected again, but they still do their normal amount of damage. Any additional effects linked to specific attacks or abilities (such as Akali's Curse on Hit) will not trigger when she uses this ability. Garen can block both Akali's direct and redirected spells.