Europa League: Maza contributes early and late, Schick puts Bayer in control
Ibrahim Maza scored the final goal in Leverkusen’s 4–0 win at Lech Poznań on Thursday 15 October. The Algerian had already played a part in the opener, before Patrik Schick converted two penalties in a decisive first half.
Contribution SNA · Author profile · · Updated 17/10/2026 13:21 UTC
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By the time the fourth goal arrived, the outcome was largely settled. To understand Ibrahim Maza’s role in Poznań, it is worth returning to the start of the match: his shot led to Leverkusen’s first penalty. His contribution went beyond adding his name to the scoresheet in a win already secured.
A shot that opens the way
Leverkusen had to change their attack early. The injured Martin Terrier made way for Patrik Schick in the 18th minute. Eleven minutes later, the substitute opened the scoring from the penalty spot. In between, a Maza shot struck Terry Yegbe’s arm inside the box; Milos Milanovic awarded a penalty for handball after a video review.
That handball gave Schick the chance to break the deadlock. Malik Tillman then scored from close range in the 32nd minute. Two goals in three minutes: Leverkusen turned that spell into a 2–0 lead.
Schick was then fouled in the box following a corner. A second penalty was awarded after another video review, and he converted it in the 41st minute. Having come on to replace an injured team-mate, he scored twice before the break. Together with Tillman’s goal, his two penalties put Leverkusen three goals ahead.
The last goal tells only part of the story
In the second half, Schick missed a chance to complete his hat-trick before making way for Afonso Moreira in the 76th minute. Maza found the net late on to make it 4–0.
His goal extended a lead built before half-time.
Following the 2–0 win over Celje, Leverkusen have two wins from two Europa League games. Two matches, six points, six goals scored and none conceded: it is a positive start to their European campaign. Their next continental away game takes Leverkusen to OFI Crete on 22 October.
Contribution SNA