In Leverkusen’s first of three top-class test matches in eight days, the three summer signings were in the spotlight in the 2-2 draw in Lens. Aleix Garcia, who arrived from FC Girona, was particularly impressive. Brazilian Arthur, on the other hand, had to leave the pitch injured
Aleix Garcia, who was brought in as a potential alternative to Granit Xhaka, played for the first time alongside the Swiss in a double-six. And even though the 27-year-old made a rare mistake in the first half, giving RC Lens a shooting chance, the technician proved his class
Aleix Garcia directed with gestures and words, proved his qualities in the short passing game, was very present – and put the icing on the cake after the break with his long pass to substitute Florian Wirtz, who scored with a drop kick to make it 1-2.
The first goal was scored by Martin Terrier, who Bayer 04 had signed from Stade Rennes. The powerful shot from the 27-year-old attacker, who started in Wirtz’s position on the half-left in a 3-4-3, was the Frenchman’s most eye-catching move and underlined his finishing qualities. Otherwise, Terrier remained inconspicuous, but made a bad loss of possession in his own penalty area, which led to a good chance for Lens
“The new players have fitted in well “
The third new player had a solid game. Jeanuel Belocian, who replaced European champion Alejandro Grimaldo, who like Copa America winner Exequiel Palacios will not start training until next week, made his mark offensively as early as the 10th minute with an advance to the baseline and a dangerous delivery. The 19-year-old, who also came from Rennes and already made a mature impression in the training camp, should find his feet in the Bundesliga without any major teething problems.
Terrier with a goal, Aleix Garcia with a dream pass and Belocian with a composed performance – “the new players fitted in well today, even in the training camp,” explained attacking player Jonas Hofmann after the match, “not just on the pitch, but off it too.” And added with a wink regarding the reception ritual: “The singing interludes were also great. We can be very, very happy with the new players so far. “
Another worry about rail player Arthur
Another player who is also considered a new arrival, although he already came to Leverkusen in 2023, is the Brazilian Arthur. The 21-year-old missed most of the pre-season due to two serious muscle tendon injuries. After the game in Lens, Bayer are once again somewhat concerned about the right-back, who was substituted on the right wing in the 3-4-3 system
The international suffered an extremely painful blow to his right foot in stoppage time following a highly dynamic foul by an RC defender and was unable to finish the game. Whether it is more than just a bruise will be clarified after his return to Germany