Bayer Leverkusen's Spanish-speaking reset under Carles Martínez
Ibrahim Maza and Patrik Schick rounded off Bayer Leverkusen’s first Bundesliga victory of 2026/27 against Union Berlin, but it was their two Argentine goalscorers who underlined the Spanish-speaking reset that's taken place at the BayArena.
Summer signing Facundo Medina, who penned a five-year contract after joining from Marseille, opened his account on his first start for Leverkusen, scoring with his first shot.
The Argentina international’s starting debut could hardly have gone better. “I’m truly very happy,” beamed Medina, who featured five times at the FIFA World Cup 2026 – including a 50-minute cameo in the final – as Lionel Scaloni’s men finished runners-up. “Honestly, I’m happy for the team, for the group, and for the effort we showed.
“It was important to win here at home. We need to get used to that. Now we keep going.”
Leverkusen’s new defensive sentry, who is strong in aerial and ground duels, and adept in playing out from defence, highlighted the importance of Argentina’s footballing mentality. “I value the effort, the willingness to make sacrifices and the commitment above all else,” he added.
Like Medina, Argentine teammate Ezequiel Fernández also endured a difficult 2025/26 but after a “very strong pre-season,” according to managing director Simon Rolfes, the 24-year-old opened his Leverkusen account in his 22nd top flight appearance, simultaneously scoring the earliest goal of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season after just 43 seconds.
“It was important to get the win and on top of that, I managed to score a goal,” expressed Fernández, who arrived in Germany from Al-Qadsiah in 2025. “I’m glad I could help the team.”
Speaking after Leverkusen’s emphatic 4-0 victory, Fernández explained the significance of having compatriots amongst his teammates. “It’s important to have people from your own country at the club,” he said. “We talk a lot about how we can best help the team,” explained the former Boca Juniors player.
Now, though, with the addition of Medina and Miguel Gutiérrez in the summer, and the appointment of Carles Martínez, Leverkusen have a strong Spanish-speaking contingent at the club that even goes all the way up to CEO Fernando Carro.
Filling the void left by Alejandro Grimaldo, who scored 30 goals in 145 competitive appearances for Leverkusen, Gutiérrez has made an instant contribution following his arrival from Napoli. Constantly joining the attack, the Spaniard created two goals and was involved in four of Leverkusen’s nine shots before the break against Union, stamping his mark on the Bundesliga.
And then there’s Aleix García. Leverkusen’s midfield metronome held his own in 91 percent of high-pressure situations, completed almost every pass and dictated tempo against Union. Last season, the Spaniard was an unsung hero of Kasper Hjulmand’s Leverkusen squad and now, working under compatriot Martínez - who arrived from Toulouse in the summer - will look to replicate his form as the team's beating heart.
Coaching Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga victory of the season, Martínez’s signature style is becoming increasingly evident. Working at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, the Spaniard helped to develop talents like Fermín López, Gavi and Xavi Simons. Now his possession-based game is bubbling at the BayArena and will no doubt soon start drawing comparisons with predecessor Xabi Alonso.
With six goals in their last 135 Bundesliga minutes, Martínez’s Leverkusen appear ready to dazzle and, after celebrating their first big win of the league season, will go into their Matchday 3 clash with Bundesliga leaders Augsburg brimming with confidence amidst their Spanish-speaking reset. Or as they say in Leverkusen these days: ¡Viva la revolución!
