Maza, Schick help Leverkusen beat Freiburg

Bayer Leverkusen’s Czech forward Patrik Schick (right) celebrates after scoring during the Bundesliga match against Freiburg in Leverkusen. (AFP pic) LEVERKUSEN: Ibrahim Maza and Patrik Schick assisted each other as Bayer Leverkusen came from a goal down to beat in-form Freiburg 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

After a shock defeat to promoted Elversberg in the season opener, Leverkusen have picked up 13 of a possible 15 points and sit fourth, level with Freiburg on points but behind on goal difference.

Champions Bayern Munich, who play at Freiburg next weekend, are top.

Shick's goal 14 minutes from time made him the first Leverkusen player to score in each of the first six matches in a Bundesliga season.

The Bundesliga's form team, Freiburg took the pitch in Leverkusen under the watchful eyes of Germany coach Jurgen Klopp.

In October, Klopp called four Freiburg players up to the Germany squad for the first time and two of those combined for the opener with 14 minutes gone.

Right-back Philipp Treu laid on a counter-attacking opener for Derry Scherhant with a clever flick.

Five minutes later, Schick played a smart one-two with former Aston Villa winger Moussa Diaby before sliding a comfortable pass at the feet of Maza to slam home.

Schick blasted over the bar on the hour but did not need to wait long for his next opportunity.

With 15 minutes remaining, Maza dribbled in from the right and evaded several Freiburg defenders before returning the favour with an inch-perfect pass for Schick to guide a controlled strike home.