Arsenal Rescue Late Draw Against Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League
Sports Updated: 12 March 2026 11:33 EAT
UCL Results
Arsenal were held to a 1‑1 draw away at Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last‑16 tie at the BayArena in Germany.
Leverkusen took the lead early in the second half when Robert Andrich headed home from a corner, giving the hosts a 1‑0 advantage shortly after the break.
The Premier League leaders had dominated the group stage but found it difficult to break down Leverkusen’s defence in the first half and were trailing as the match approached its final moments.
Arsenal’s persistence paid off late when substitute Noni Madueke was fouled in the penalty area, earning his side a spot‑kick deep into added time.
Former Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz stepped up and converted the 89th‑minute penalty, ensuring the draw for Arsenal against his former club.
The result marked the first time this season Arsenal had fallen behind in Champions League play, ending their perfect run from the group stage.
Leverkusen’s performance showed resilience and tactical organisation, testing Arsenal’s defensive structure and capitalising on a set‑piece.
The draw leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week, where Arsenal will aim to secure a home win to progress to the quarter‑finals.
Both teams now head into the return fixture with everything to play for, with Arsenal holding a slight psychological edge from salvaging a late draw away from home.
Tags: Arsenal Arsenal Fc Bayer Leverkusen Bundesliga Champions League Edit Epl Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Sports Journalism Uefa Uefa Champions League
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FELIX MAKONA
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