Leverkusen stroll past Lech Poznań to make it two Europa League wins from two

Despite an early injury scare involving Martin Terrier, Die Werkself took control with three first-half goals, as Schick’s brace and Malik Tillman’s strike put the visitors firmly in the driving seat. Ibrahim Maza then added a late fourth to cap off a dominant display against the Polish champions.

Leverkusen started the brighter of the two sides, looking to assert their superiority early on against their Polish opponents.

However, both teams were forced into early changes, with Leverkusen particularly concerned by Terrier’s injury. The forward, making just his second start of the season, was unable to continue and was replaced by Schick.

Shortly before the half-hour mark, the visitors were awarded a penalty after substitute Terry Yegbe was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. Schick stepped up and calmly sent goalkeeper Mateusz Lis the wrong way to give Leverkusen a 1-0 lead.

Just two minutes later, Leverkusen doubled their advantage. Nathan Tella’s effort was parried by Lis into the path of Tillman, whose initial attempt was kept out before the American managed to bundle the ball over the line from close range.

With just four minutes remaining until half-time, Leverkusen were awarded another penalty. Schick was brought down inside the area by Mateusz Skrzypczak, and following a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot once again.

Schick took responsibility and repeated his earlier effort, sending Lis the wrong way to claim his second goal of the evening and put Martínez’s side 3-0 ahead at the break.

Six minutes into the second half, Schick came close to completing his hat-trick. Tella burst down the right flank before reaching the byline and delivering a dangerous cross into the area. Schick connected with the delivery but, seemingly off balance, failed to direct his effort on target.

With the result seemingly beyond doubt and a meeting with high-flying Freiburg on the horizon this weekend, Martínez began rotating his squad just after the hour mark, making three substitutions.

The changes coincided with a slight dip in Leverkusen’s intensity, while Robert Andrich and Moussa Diaby both picked up bookings as the visitors became less dominant.

However, Leverkusen had the final say. With just over a minute remaining before the 90th minute, substitute Afonso Moreira picked out Maza, who took the ball in his stride before calmly slotting into the bottom-right corner to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

The result ensures Leverkusen maintain their perfect start to their Europa League campaign, making it two wins from two as they continue their push for European success.