Champions League knockout stage action unfolded in Germany this evening as Bayer Leverkusen faced Arsenal.
A late penalty from Kai Havertz allowed Arsenal to secure a draw, marking their first non-defeat in the Champions League this season against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. The Gunners entered Leverkusen for the first leg of the last-16 round after winning all eight matches in the group stage, positioning themselves favorably for the knockout phase.
However, Arsenal will need to perform well in the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week, as they must secure a victory in north London to advance to the quarter-finals against either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP. Leverkusen’s captain Robert Andrich opened the scoring just a minute into the second half, heading in a corner from the back post.
With time winding down, Havertz successfully converted a penalty against his former team after Noni Madueke was fouled, ensuring that Arsenal remains unbeaten in this season’s competition, despite their perfect record coming to an end. Follow the match recap below, featuring expert analysis and insights from Matt Verri on-site.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal Highlights
- GOAL! Kai Havertz equalizes from the penalty spot.
- GOAL! Andrich heads Leverkusen in front right at the start of the second half.
Live Updates
5 hours ago
FULL-TIME
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
5 hours ago
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
90+2 min: Arsenal earns a corner; could they clinch a win?
90 min: Three minutes of stoppage time added.
GOAL! Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal | Kai Havertz ’89
89 min: Arsenal equalizes!
Kai Havertz steps up and calmly converts the penalty. His celebration is subdued, given his history with Bayer Leverkusen.
Matt Verri at BayArena
From most angles, it appeared to be a dive, but one angle shows Tillman catching the top of Madueke’s foot. Just enough contact to uphold the penalty decision.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
87 min: The penalty decision, although soft, stands after a VAR review.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
86 min: PENALTY FOR ARSENAL!
Noni Madueke drives into the box and is fouled by Malik Tillman.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
84 min: CHANCE!
Martinelli manages to deliver a cross, but Timber fails to direct his header on target.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
81 min: Both teams make substitutions.
Hofmann and Fernandez replace Palacios and Terrier for Leverkusen, while Eze comes off for Jesus for Arsenal.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
80 min: Arsenal’s play has been frustrating. They seem hesitant to cross the ball unless a clear opportunity arises. They do win a free-kick, with Rice poised to take it as Jesus prepares to enter the match.
The delivery is decent, but the ball falls favorably for Leverkusen, allowing them to clear their lines.
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More updates to follow as the match progresses.
