Maza Lights Up the Derby—Leverkusen Ready to Dismantle Cologne

Muy Entretenido Puntuación Futmetrix: 86/100. The Rhineland Derby transcends local pride: Leverkusen must win to stay in the title conversation, while Cologne desperately needs points to escape the relegation scrap.

The Setup

Form tells a stark story: Leverkusen claimed just two wins from their last five, while Cologne are mired in inconsistency—two losses sandwiched between draws. Yet the Balance favours the hosts. Leverkusen possess world-class infrastructure with Edmond Tapsoba anchoring the backline and Patrik Schick leading the attack. Cologne, however, have unearthed goal-scorers in Luca Waldschmidt and Said El Mala, both recently on target. The Stakes are unmistakably high—a proper derby with genuine local bragging rights.

Key Battle

Ibrahim Maza versus Florian Kainz controls the tempo. Maza's clinical edge (2 goals, 1 assist across four matches) collides with Kainz's creative distribution. Wing dominance decides the derby.

Our Prediction

Leverkusen absorb Cologne's early press, then strike on the counter via wide channels. Marvin Schwäbe keeps Cologne competitive, but Maza's form and Tapsoba's defensive solidity prove decisive. Leverkusen 2-1—a derby victory with genuine tension.