Kai Havertz denies Bayer Leverkusen first-leg advantage against Arsenal in UEFA Champions League
Former Bayer Leverkusen man Kai Havertz's late penalty denied Die Werkself what would have been a priceless win over Arsenal in their UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg at the BayArena.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
Goals: 1-0 Andrich 46' (assist: Grimaldo), 1-1 Havertz 89' (pen.)
The clash marked a return to the BayArena for former Leverkusen players Havertz and Piero Hincapié, with the former starting on the bench for Mikel Arteta's side, while Hincapié lined up against his parent club.
Arsenal dominate possession but lack cutting edge
The first half saw Arsenal controlling possession, but struggling to break down a well-organised Leverkusen defence. Gabriel Martinelli came closest for the visitors when his curling effort struck the crossbar in the 19th minute after a slick counter-attack.
Ibrahim Maza had Leverkusen's best opportunity of the first period, but scuffed his effort wide from inside the penalty area as the teams went in level at the break.
Andrich header puts Leverkusen ahead
Leverkusen made a dream start to the second half, taking the lead just seconds after the restart. Martin Terrier forced a fine save from David Raya with a header, and from the resulting corner, Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a perfect cross to the back post where Robert Andrich powered home a header to make it 1-0.
Arsenal struggled to respond, with Bukayo Saka ineffective before being replaced by Noni Madueke on the hour mark. The hosts continued to frustrate the Gunners with their disciplined defensive shape, as Kasper Hjulmand's side looked comfortable despite Arsenal's possession advantage.
Late drama as Havertz equalises
As the match entered its closing stages, Arteta introduced Havertz for Viktor Gyökeres, hoping the former Leverkusen man could make an impact. The change ultimately paid dividends when Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the 89th minute after Malik Tillman, who had earlier replaced the impressive Maza, brought down Madueke in the area.
Havertz stepped up against his former club and coolly slotted the spot-kick past Janis Blaswich despite the goalkeeper getting fingertips to the ball, leaving the tie level ahead of next Tuesday's return leg in London.
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Vote for your April Player of the Month!
Will it be Alejandro Grimaldo, Yan Diomande, Moritz Nicolas, Patrick Mainka, Ibrahim Maza or Michael Zetterer? You decide!
Vote for April's Rookie of the Month!
Yan Diomande, Ibrahim Maza and Jens Castrop are the nominees for this month's award, presented by Sorare.