Arsenal kept their Champions League hopes alive as a dramatic late penalty from Kai Havertz secured a 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie.
Returning to his former club, Havertz showed ice-cold composure to slot home an 89th-minute spot-kick after substitute Noni Madueke was brought down in the area. The equaliser followed a lengthy VAR check that silenced the BayArena crowd.
The hosts had taken the lead just 45 seconds into the second half when Robert Andrich capitalised on poor marking to head home an Alex Grimaldo corner. For much of the evening, Xabi Alonso’s side appeared the more threatening, repeatedly testing the Arsenal backline as the visitors struggled to find their rhythm.
Havertz Haunts Former Side
Arsenal’s best chance in a cagey first half fell to Gabriel Martinelli, who saw his effort rattle the crossbar. However, for large spells of the second period, Mikel Arteta’s side looked headed for their first defeat in the competition since last season’s semi-final.
“Kai Havertz came back to haunt the club where it all began for him,” Arsenal noted in a post-match statement. The German international’s late contribution ensures the tie remains finely balanced heading into the second leg in North London.
High Stakes for the Gunners
The result sets up a decisive return leg at the Emirates Stadium next Tuesday. It marks the start of a pivotal week for Arsenal, who are also preparing for the EFL Cup Final against Manchester City at Wembley on 22 March.
Before their European return, the Gunners shift their focus back to domestic duties as they host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.
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