Leverkusen – Kai Havertz, returning to his former home, scored a late penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday. The result, played out in front of a sold-out crowd of 30,210 at the BayArena, leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of the return leg in London.
Robert Andrich had given Leverkusen the lead just after halftime, capitalizing on a corner to send the home fans into raptures. Although, Havertz, introduced as a substitute, converted from the spot in the 89th minute after a controversial penalty decision, much to the frustration of the Leverkusen faithful.
The draw extends Arsenal’s impressive run in the Champions League, having won all eight of their group stage matches this season. But Leverkusen, who impressed with their energy and defensive solidity, will feel they could have taken a lead to the Emirates Stadium.
“Bitter” was how Leverkusen goalkeeper Janis Blaswich described the late equalizer, speaking to DAZN after the match. “We played very maturely and aggressively against a top opponent. If we look at our performance, we did very well.” Andrich echoed that sentiment, stating, “We have another chance next week.”
The match began with Leverkusen showing early intent, pressing Arsenal and attempting to disrupt their rhythm. Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza both had early opportunities, signaling Bayer’s desire to attack. However, Arsenal almost snatched the lead in the 19th minute when Gabriel Martinelli’s powerful shot crashed against the crossbar.
Arsenal enjoyed more possession throughout the first half, but Leverkusen’s defense remained resolute, limiting the visitors to few clear-cut chances. The first half ended goalless, a testament to Leverkusen’s organized defending and Arsenal’s inability to break them down.
Leverkusen started the second half strongly, and their pressure paid off almost immediately. Just ten seconds after the restart, Martin Terrier headed towards goal, forcing a save from Arsenal keeper David Raya. From the resulting corner, Robert Andrich rose highest to head the ball into the net, giving Leverkusen a 1-0 lead.
The goal sparked a renewed sense of belief in the Leverkusen players, and they continued to defend with tenacity. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta responded by making substitutions, bringing on Kai Havertz in an attempt to inject more creativity into his side’s attack.
Havertz received a warm reception from the Leverkusen fans, acknowledging his time at the club where he developed into a prominent player. However, his return would ultimately prove decisive in a different way.
In the closing stages, a controversial penalty decision went Arsenal’s way. Malik Tillmann was adjudged to have fouled Noni Madueke in the penalty area, although Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso questioned the call, stating, “No contact, and then he goes down. That’s not a penalty.”
Havertz stepped up and calmly slotted the penalty home, leveling the score and silencing the BayArena. The late goal ensures the tie remains open, with the second leg promising to be a thrilling encounter at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal will now turn their attention back to domestic matters, while Leverkusen face a crucial Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich on Saturday. The outcome of that match could significantly impact the title race in Germany.
The Champions League tie is now finely balanced. Arsenal will be favorites on home soil, but Leverkusen have demonstrated they are a capable side, capable of causing an upset. The second leg promises to be a captivating contest between two ambitious teams.
Kai Havertz’s late goal was a familiar sight for Arsenal fans, having also scored the winning goal in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final for Chelsea. The German forward continues to prove his worth on the biggest stage.
The incident surrounding the penalty decision is likely to be a talking point in the days to come. Leverkusen will feel aggrieved by the call, but they must focus on preparing for the second leg and the upcoming Bundesliga match against Bayern Munich.
As per Wikipedia, Kai Havertz currently plays as a forward or attacking midfielder for Arsenal and the Germany national team. He joined Arsenal in June 2023 for a reported fee of £65 million.
The second leg between Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen will take place on Tuesday, March 17th, at the Emirates Stadium, with a kickoff time of 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET). Fans can follow the match live on various sports channels and streaming platforms.
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