Bayer 04 Leverkusen seal Rhine derby against 1.FC Köln with goals from Maza and Schick

Bayer 04 Leverkusen returned to winning ways after securing a valuable 2-1 victory over their hosts 1.FC Köln in the Rhine derby that took place on Sunday evening as part of the latest round of the Bundesliga. This win ended their negative streak and earned them three important points from their rival's stadium.

Bayer 04 Leverkusen faced significant pressure ahead of their match after losing to Olympique Marseille in the UEFA Europa League and suffering two consecutive defeats in the Bundesliga against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim by three goals to nil and VfB Stuttgart by four goals to two. However, they started the encounter strongly, applying early attacking pressure, until Alex Garcia managed to open the scoring in the 7th minute with a stunning direct free kick from about 25 meters, which found the top corner of goalkeeper Schwäbe's net.

The second half saw heated moments as Köln players appealed for a penalty after a clash between Micky Moore and Facundo Medina in the 49th minute, before protests and altercations escalated among the players, with repeated interventions from referee Felix Zwayer, who showed 11 yellow cards during the match. Bayer 04 Leverkusen also called for a penalty after Patrik Schick fell in the area in the 62nd minute, but the referee decided to let play continue.

1.FC Köln attempted to come back in the second half, threatening Bayer 04 Leverkusen's goal through Said El Mala and Micky Moore, but the visitors' defense held firm against their attempts. Then, Ibrahim Maza delivered a decisive blow to the home side in the 85th minute, sending a precise through ball to Patrik Schick, who outpaced the defender and struck with his left foot into the net, doubling his team's lead.

1.FC Köln refused to give up, and Said El Mala succeeded in reducing the deficit in the 90th minute, converting a cross from his younger brother Malek El Mala into the net. However, the goal came too late and was not enough to avoid defeat, as Bayer 04 Leverkusen secured the Rhine derby with a score of 2-1, returning to winning ways after a tough week.