Champions League: Maza’s assist rescues point for Leverkusen

Ibrahim Maza’s late assist saved a point for Bayer Leverkusen as the German club came back to draw Newcastle United 2-2 at home in the UEFA Champions League.

The Algerian international provided a perfect pass to set up Alex Grimaldo for an 88th minute equalizer, spoiling Newcastle’s attempt to snatch all three points at the BayArena. Maza now has a goal and three assists in his last five matches as his role and form continues to develop in a positive direction.

After falling behind to an own goal inside fifteen minutes, visitors Newcastle did brilliantly to focus and fight back. Hosts Leverkusen produced little to take advantage of their strong start and the English Premier League club gradually took control of the match by halftime. Anthony Gordon’s penalty kick leveled the match in the 51st minute.

And the visitors continued to build on their momentum when Lewis Miley put them ahead in the 74th minute. The hosts finally woke up and rallied to find the late leveler through fullback Grimaldo, who made an ambitious run into the penalty area and produced a composed finish from Maza’s well-weighted pass.

Plenty of work remains for the Bundesliga side, who are now in 20th place on the 36-team table following Wednesday’s result. When the league phase resumes in late January, they will face Greek giants Olympiacos away before hosting Villarreal in their final fixture with numerous clubs looking to overtake them for a place in the knockout stages.