Europa League: Maza makes his mark twice as Schick's penalties sink Lech Poznań
Ibrahim Maza scored the last goal in Leverkusen's win at Lech Poznań (4–0) on Thursday 15 October. But 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 ·
Listen to this story
Synthetic English voice · 2 min 02 s
The fourth goal arrives with the job already done. To understand Ibrahim Maza's role in Poznań, you have to go back to the start of the match: his shot led to the first German penalty. His contribution is more than just adding a name to the scoreboard of a victory already built.
A shot that opened the way
Leverkusen had to rethink their attack early. Martin Terrier, injured, 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 effort struck the arm of Terry Yegbe in the box; Milos Milanovic penalised the handball after a VAR review.
That incident 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 a VAR review, and he converted it in the 41st minute. Brought on to replace an injured player, he scored two goals before the break. Together with Tillman's goal, his two penalties stretched the lead to three goals.
The last goal does not tell the whole story
In the second half, Schick missed a chance to complete a hat-trick, then went off in the 76th minute, replaced by Afonso Moreira. Maza found the net late on to make it 4–0.
Maza's goal extended a lead built before the break.
After the 2–0 win over Celje, Leverkusen have won both of their opening two Europa League matches. Two games, six points, six goals scored and none conceded: Bayer have made a favourable start in Europe. The club's next continental trip takes them to OFI Crete on 22 October.
SNA contribution