Hjulmand and Schick heap praise on Maza

Bayer Leverkusen boost their Champions League hopes with a 4-1 defeat of RB Leipzig on Saturday. Patrik Schick was the man of the match with his first Bundesliga hat-trick since 2024 as he extended his goal streak against his former club to three games.

"I'm very happy that I was able to help my team in the Champions League race today," said the 30-year-old striker in an interview with Sky. "Schick had an incredible game," added Ibrahim Maza, who was instrumental for the Czech striker’s first two goals.

The performance of the Algerian international was also a big topic in the post-match interview. Both Kasper Hjulmand and Schick applauded the player who joined from Hertha BSC last summer for a reported €12 million.

"Ibo (Maza) has incredible potential. He showed again today that he’s a complete player. He plays great passes and is strong with his feet. He really can do anything.” However, the 30-year-old striker didn’t want to start comparisons with a certain Florian Wirtz.

"I have already spoken a lot about Maza,” added Hjulmand. “He's a top, top player. He is also a top person, who learns very quickly. He says 'Thank you!' and works super hard every day. He also learns super fast. He’s just a great player who has a great future ahead of him.”

Maza and Leverkusen will face another crucial game next week away at Stuttgart. Both teams (and Hoffenheim) are currently tied on 58 points. Depending on the results of FC Bayern and SC Freiburg in European competitions, either one or two of those teams will qualify for next season’s Champions League.