Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza records first Bundesliga assist of the season

Ibrahim Maza recorded his first Bundesliga assist of the season despite Bayer Leverkusen suffering a 3-2 defeat away to newly promoted Elversberg in their opening league match.

The Algeria international produced an important contribution late in the game as Leverkusen attempted to recover from a difficult start against the Bundesliga newcomers.

Leverkusen found themselves three goals behind before Maza helped give them a route back into the contest.

The midfielder reduced the deficit in the 77th minute after a corner had been cleared by Elversberg’s defence. Maza collected the loose ball on the edge of the penalty area before sending a low effort towards goal.

His shot did not result in a goal of his own but created the opportunity for Patrik Schick, who was in the right position to finish from close range and make the score 3-1.

The assist gave Leverkusen renewed hope after a performance in which they had struggled to match the newly promoted side.

Maza’s contribution proved particularly important because it came at a point when Leverkusen appeared to be heading towards a heavy defeat.

The goal changed the momentum of the match and gave Bayer renewed belief that they could still salvage a result.

That belief was strengthened shortly afterwards when Christian Kofane scored Leverkusen’s second goal.

With the score reduced to 3-2, the visitors had an opportunity to push for an equaliser and potentially rescue a point from a match that had appeared beyond them.

However, Leverkusen could not find the goal they needed before the final whistle.

Elversberg held on to secure a memorable victory, leaving Leverkusen to begin their Bundesliga campaign with a defeat.

For Maza, the result was disappointing, but his individual performance offered a positive element from an otherwise difficult afternoon for his side.

The midfielder’s involvement in the comeback demonstrated his ability to influence Leverkusen’s attacking play even when the team was struggling.

His contribution also means he has already registered a decisive action in his first Bundesliga appearance of the season.

Maza’s low effort following the cleared corner ultimately became the starting point for Schick’s goal, allowing Leverkusen to reduce the deficit and put pressure back on Elversberg.

The Algerian will therefore leave the match with a first assist to his name, despite Bayer’s inability to complete the comeback.

Leverkusen’s opening fixture ended in disappointment as they were beaten 3-2 by the newly promoted side.

The defeat will be a concern for the German club, particularly after they had fallen three goals behind before attempting their late recovery.

Maza, however, can take encouragement from his personal contribution.

His assist helped transform the final stages of the match and provided evidence of his attacking influence for Bayer.

Although the equaliser ultimately failed to arrive, the Algeria international has already made his mark statistically in the new Bundesliga campaign.