Ibrahimovic scores to defeat Dortmund, Leverkusen advance to the quarter-finals.
Ibrahim Maza scored in the 34th minute to help Bayer Leverkusen eliminate Dortmund in the round of 16 of the German Cup; in his last three matches, he has two assists, one goal, and has played the full 90 minutes.
The 34th minute was the decisive moment: Ibrahim Maza's finish secured the only goal, helping Bayer Leverkusen overcome Dortmund and advance to the quarter-finals of the German Cup. The midfielder, born in 2005, continued his start, playing a central role in a series of important matches where he made his mark.
A pivotal moment in the Round of 16 of the German Cup.
Playing away against Dortmund, Maza continued to be trusted to start and became the most outstanding player with a goal in the 34th minute. The only goal sent Leverkusen into the quarter-finals, and also extended his streak of making a difference on the big stage.
Form against major competitors is proven
Not long before that, Maza provided an assist in the victory against Man City in the Champions League. Returning to the Bundesliga in round 12, the midfielder continued his scoring form with a decisive pass against Dortmund. Combined with a goal in the German Cup, Maza has recorded 2 assists and 1 goal in his last 3 matches, all played in the full 90 minutes.
| Competitor | Tournament | Contribute | Note | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Man City | Champions League | 1 construction | 90 minutes | |
| Dortmund | Bundesliga (matchday 12) | 1 construction | 90 minutes | |
| Dortmund | German Cup (Round of 16) | 1 table | 34th minute | 90 minutes |
Role at Bayer Leverkusen
Playing as an attacking midfielder, Maza has shown an increasingly important role in Leverkusen's system. His consistent starts and full 90-minute appearances in crucial matches are clear indicators of the trust placed in him. He is also expected to fill the void left by Florian Wirtz's departure to Liverpool.
Personal honors and milestones
His consistent performance has been recognized: previously, Maza was repeatedly voted Man of the Match (MOTM) in the German Cup, Bundesliga, and Champions League. Recently, he received the "Best Young Algerian Player of 2025" award, voted for by the Algerian Football Federation at the Fennec d'Or 2025 Gala, beating Badredine Bouanani (Stuttgart) and Amin Chiakha (Copenhagen).
National Team Origins and Selection
Born in 2005, Maza has an Algerian father and a Vietnamese mother, and grew up in Germany, making him eligible to play for three national teams. Although he has played for Germany's youth teams, he chose the Algerian national team at the senior level and recently helped them qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Transfer value and progress
Ibrahim Maza is currently the most highly valued Vietnamese-born player in history, with a market value of 12 million Euros. Last summer, he joined Bayer Leverkusen for a transfer fee of 14 million Euros. His consistent contributions in the Champions League, Bundesliga, and German Cup demonstrate that Maza's progress is on track to meet expectations.
The goal against Dortmund not only secured Leverkusen's place in the quarter-finals but also solidified Maza's position as a key player in big matches. With his confidence boosted by individual accolades, Maza is turning opportunities into a habit of making a difference.
