• Patrik Schick scored three goals to secure his first Bundesliga hat-trick since 2024 against his former employers.
• Ibrahim Maza provided two assists, earning high praise from the manager and teammates for his complete performance.
• The victory keeps Leverkusen level on 58 points with Stuttgart and Hoffenheim in the tight race for Champions League qualification.

Bayer Leverkusen delivered a dominant display on Saturday evening, thrashing RB Leipzig 4-1 to strengthen their push for a top-four finish. The result moves the club level with rivals Stuttgart and Hoffenheim in what promises to be a tense battle for European qualification.

Czech striker Patrik Schick led the charge with a magnificent hat-trick. The 30-year-old forward has now found the net in three consecutive meetings against his old side. His treble marks his first three-goal haul in the German top flight since 2024.

“I am very happy to help my team today,” Schick told Sky Sports after the final whistle. Two of his strikes came from assists by Ibrahim Maza. The Algerian midfielder, who joined from Hertha BSC last summer for a reported €12 million, controlled the tempo and created clear chances with excellent vision.

The young playmaker received warm words from the manager. “Ibo has incredible potential,” said Xabi Alonso. “He showed again that he is a complete player. He plays great passes and is strong with the ball at his feet. He really can do anything.”

The boss also praised Maza’s attitude. “He is a top person who learns very quickly. He says thank you and works super hard every day. He has a great future ahead of him,” Alonso added.

Schick agreed with his manager. “Ibo played an incredible game,” he said.

Next week, Leverkusen face a vital away match against Stuttgart. Both teams sit on 58 points. Depending on how FC Bayern Munich and SC Freiburg perform in their respective European finals, either one or two teams from this tight group will secure a spot in next season’s Champions League.