Kai Havertz scored a late penalty on his return to the BayArena to help Arsenal secure a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last 16 first leg. The former Leverkusen star calmly converted the spot-kick in the 87th minute after Noni Madueke was tripped by Malik Tillman, a decision that stood after a VAR review.
Leverkusen had taken the lead through Robert Andrich’s header, capitalising on a momentary lapse from Arsenal shortly after the restart. Mikel Arteta admitted his side “didn’t pay enough attention from the kick-off”, which changed the tie’s complexion. Despite a flat display, Arsenal’s 100% group-stage record ended with a draw that leaves them strong favourites ahead of the second leg in London.
Madueke, introduced as a substitute, was pivotal in changing the game’s rhythm. “Go and try to change the game,” Arteta told him, and the winger’s urgency won the crucial penalty. Arteta praised his impact: “He had a huge impact on the result.”
Arsenal had an early chance when Gabriel Martinelli hit the crossbar, but otherwise created little until late pressure. The visitors dominated the closing stages, though Janis Blaswich remained largely untroubled until Havertz’s penalty. The draw extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the competition this season, albeit with a first blemish.
“We’ll be better in London,” said Madueke, reflecting on the team’s subpar basics in possession. Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement but welcomed the level pegging. “We had to stay very composed,” he said, as Arsenal now prepare for the decisive second leg at the Emirates.
