Kai Havertz scores a late penalty against former club Bayer Leverkusen as Arsenal secure a 1-1 draw in the Champions League last-16 first leg.
Kai Havertz scored a dramatic late penalty as Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League last-16 first leg. The German forward struck in the 89th minute against his former club. Robert Andrich had earlier given the hosts the lead shortly after half time at the BayArena. Arsenal now head into the return leg in London with the tie finely balanced.
Arsenal began with confidence despite heavy rotation from Mikel Arteta from the squad that faced Mansfield in the FA Cup. The visitors controlled possession early and pushed Leverkusen onto the back foot. Their best chance arrived in the 19th minute. Viktor Gyokeres laid the ball off for Gabriel Martinelli after a quick break. The Brazilian struck powerfully but saw his shot crash against the crossbar.
Leverkusen gradually settled after that early pressure. Christian Kofane caused problems with his direct runs and tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from distance. Despite promising moments from both teams, the first half ended without a goal.
The hosts made a flying start to the second half and nearly scored immediately. Martin Terrier headed goalward just seconds after kickoff. Raya reacted well and tipped the ball over the bar. However, Leverkusen capitalised from the resulting corner. Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a precise cross to the back post. Robert Andrich rose unmarked and powered a header into the net in the 46th minute.
It was the first time Arsenal had fallen behind in the Champions League this season. The goal lifted the home crowd and forced Arsenal to chase the game.
Arsenal found it difficult to break through a disciplined Leverkusen defence. Bukayo Saka struggled to make an impact and was replaced by Noni Madueke after the hour mark. The substitute immediately added energy to the attack. His direct running caused problems down the right side.
Arsenal nearly equalised in the 85th minute. Jurrien Timber found space inside the box but headed over from close range. The breakthrough finally came four minutes later. Madueke drove into the penalty area and was tripped by Malik Tillman. The referee pointed to the spot after a brief VAR check.
Havertz stepped up to take the penalty in the 89th minute. The former Leverkusen player kept his composure and slotted the ball into the bottom corner past Janis Blaswich. His celebration was muted in front of the home fans who once supported him. The goal rescued Arsenal after a frustrating evening in Germany.
Madueke’s impact from the bench proved decisive. He became the first Arsenal substitute since 2010 to win a Champions League penalty. Arsenal finished with six shots and an expected goals figure of 1.65, compared to Leverkusen’s 0.88 from ten attempts.
The return leg will take place at the Emirates Stadium on 17 March. Arsenal will hope to finish the job at home and secure a place in the quarter-finals. Before that, Arteta’s side host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday. Leverkusen will also return to domestic action with a difficult Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich before the return leg in north London.
