Arsenal began the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the BayArena with confidence, having won every match in the competition so far this season. Mikel Arteta opted to rotate heavily, making ten alterations to the side that defeated Mansfield comfortably in the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend.
The visitors threatened early and nearly took the lead through Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian forward, who has scored six goals in this season’s Champions League, met a pass from Viktor Gyokeres before firing a powerful effort that struck the crossbar.
Despite that early opportunity, clear chances were limited. Bayer Leverkusen organised themselves well at the back and prevented Arsenal from building sustained pressure in the final third.
The German side’s midfield pairing of Aleix Garcia and Exequiel Palacios controlled possession when possible while also interrupting Arsenal’s attacking rhythm. Before the interval, the Gunners managed only a single effort on target and did not win a corner despite their reputation for set-piece threat.
Leverkusen strike early in the second half
The home side almost made an immediate impact after the restart with a rehearsed kick-off move. The sequence ended with Martin Terrier’s header, which was pushed over the bar by goalkeeper David Raya.
However, Leverkusen capitalised moments later. From the resulting corner, Alex Grimaldo delivered the ball into the area where Robert Andrich, left unmarked at the far post, powered a header into the net just a minute into the second half.
Arsenal were caught off guard by the hosts’ energetic start after the interval, and Leverkusen grew in belief following the goal. Christian Kofane repeatedly troubled centre-back Gabriel, creating difficulties for the visiting defence throughout the evening.
Andrich had earlier received a yellow card for a foul on Gyokeres and was fortunate to avoid a second booking after blocking the Swedish striker away from the ball, a decision that allowed him to remain on the pitch.
Havertz levels from the spot late on
Arteta responded to the deficit by sending on Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz from the bench. The substitutions proved decisive as Arsenal pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages.
Madueke made an immediate impact with a powerful run into the penalty area. His surge was halted by a stretching challenge from Malik Tillman, and the referee pointed to the spot despite strong protests from the home supporters.
Havertz stepped up to take the penalty in the 89th minute and calmly placed the ball beyond goalkeeper Janis Blaswich. The Germany international kept his celebration subdued against the club where he spent a decade before joining Chelsea for £71m in 2020.
Arsenal’s perfect winning run in the competition ended, but the late goal ensured the tie remains level heading into next week’s return match in London. The Premier League leaders, still competing for four trophies this season, will now approach the second leg with confidence after securing a draw in Germany.