Bayer Leverkusen steadied themselves with a 2-1 victory at Cologne in the Bundesliga, a result that lifted the club to fifth place with 16 points from nine games. The win was welcome relief after a turbulent run that included a 2:4 defeat to Stuttgart and a 0:1 loss to Marseille in the Europa League, results that exposed the inconsistency Trainer Carles Martinez has been unable to resolve on the domestic front. Leverkusen remain a side capable of brilliance and fragility in equal measure.

The biggest story surrounding the club, though, is the future of Ibrahim Maza. The 20-year-old midfielder told RTL and Sky that playing for Paris Saint-Germain would be "a great dream," and Sky reports that PSG could move for him as early as January as they seek cover for the injured Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Maza holds a contract until 2030 with no reported release clause, meaning any transfer would cost significantly. Despite the speculation, he has been in outstanding form, registering eight scoring contributions in 14 appearances this season. Lionel Messi singled him out during the Ballon d'Or voting process, adding further weight to his growing reputation.

Leverkusen host Paderborn on 21 November, a fixture that offers a chance to build momentum in the Bundesliga. Retaining Maza through January will be just as important as the result on the pitch.