{
  "id": 19008454,
  "title": "Aleix García answers Andrich criticism with impressive performance in Leverkusen’s derby victory",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/aleix-garcia-answers-andrich-criticism-with-impressive-performance-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-11-08T19:57:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/aleix-garc-answers-andrich-criticism-195700868.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Aleix García has responded to criticism from Andrich with a stellar performance in Leverkusen's derby win. Initially faced with scrutiny due to his perceived lack of defensive effort during a previous match, the Spanish midfielder scored an impressive opening goal in Köln, just seven minutes into the game. Leverkusen went on to secure an important three points, with García earning Man of the Match honors.\n\nTeammate Ibrahim Maza praised García's resilience, noting his strong mentality and crucial role for the team. \"That shows his attitude and mentality,\" Maza stated. \"Today you could see what an important player he is for us.\"\n\nDefender Edmond Tapsoba also addressed the situation, emphasizing that there were no lasting issues within the team. \"We talk about it as a team. We don't take it as a serious issue, we sort things out internally,\" Tapsoba explained.\n\nHead coach Carles Martínez downplayed the situation, stating that García and Andrich maintain a good relationship. \"The two have a good connection and talk to each other. Sometimes things are exaggerated on the outside. Inside, life goes on.\"\n\nGarcía's aggressive approach on the pitch proved pivotal as Leverkusen ended a tough run of results with a crucial derby victory. Patrik Schick added a second goal before Said El Mala scored for Köln in stoppage time. Leverkusen heads into the international break on a positive note, with García's timely performance serving as a reminder of his importance to the team.",
  "summary": "The Spanish midfielder had come under scrutiny following Leverkusen’s 1-0 Europa League defeat to Marseille on Thursday, when Andrich publicly questioned his attitude after he failed to track back f...",
  "key_points": [
    "Aleix García scores opening goal in Leverkusen derby, earns Man of the Match",
    "Teammates praise García's resilience and importance to the team",
    "Head coach Carles Martínez downplays criticism between García and Andrich"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}