Kai Havertz scored a controversial late penalty on his return to Bayer Leverkusen to salvage a 1-1 draw for Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Germany forward, who left Leverkusen for Chelsea in 2020, came off the bench to convert from the spot after a VAR review, cancelling out Robert Andrich's second-half header.
Leverkusen had taken the lead two minutes into the second half when Andrich headed home from a corner, a goal that came after a cheeky social media post from the German club earlier in the day that read 'No corners allowed'. Arsenal, who had won all eight group-stage matches, struggled to create chances until the introduction of substitutes Noni Madueke and Havertz.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his side were 'caught out' by Leverkusen's goal and said they would need to improve for the second leg. 'The level of execution has to be better,' he said. 'We'll adapt a few things and move on.'
Leverkusen, who finished unbeaten in the Bundesliga last season under Xabi Alonso, were without several key players but still posed a threat. Teenage striker Christian Kofane tested Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya early on, while Piero Hincapié also went close against the club he is on loan from.
Arsenal had William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães in central defence, but neither had their best night. Gabriel made several uncharacteristic mistakes, while Saliba struggled to contain Leverkusen's physical attackers. The second leg takes place at the Emirates Stadium next week.
