Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal swap specialities in UEFA Champions League round of 16

While Bayer Leverkusen took advantage of what is usually Arsenal's speciality to break the deadlock in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg, the Gunners used the Werkself's long-standing trait against them to depart with a draw.

The tone of the game was set less than two minutes in. Robert Andrich was involved in a duel with Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres, with the latter prevailing on that occasion. As a result, Andrich picked up a yellow card, and was told shortly after by referee Halil Umit Meler that he couldn't afford to commit many more fouls. Nevertheless, the Leverkusen captain continued to throw himself into every challenge and was impeccable.

Andrich later played a decisive role at the opposite end of the pitch as he put his side in front. Arsenal have earned a reputation for being corner specialists this term, but it was Leverkusen who found the back of the net from such a dead-ball situtation. The tactic of keeping the target of the delivery free was ultimately crucial, and it is one the Gunners have perfected this season.

Andrich celebrates scoring the opener against Arsenal from a corner. - IMAGO/Goal Sports Images

However, that goal was not the only important moment from the encounter. During their title-winning campaign in 2023/24, Leverkusen earned the nickname 'Laterkusen' thanks to their knack of finding the back of the net shortly before the final whistle, which enabled them to go the entire league season unbeaten. Against Arsenal, though, the roles were reversed.

To rub salt into the wound, the 89th-minute equalising penalty was scored by Kai Havertz, who started his professional journey at Leverkusen almost 10 years ago. After the game, he was empathetic towards his former employers. "Of course, I'm sorry for Leverkusen, but that's football," he said. The ex-Chelsea man could still play a pivotal role in this tie at the Emirates Stadium next week, but not if Andrich and Co. have anything to say about it.

Watch: The best of Havertz at Leverkusen

About the players

8

Robert

Andrich

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

From Leverkusen's perspective, this performance against one of the favourites for the tournament should give them plenty of confidence ahead of the second leg. After the 3-3 draw with Freiburg last Saturday, Alejandro Grimaldo said that team was "tired", a claim that will have worried plenty of supporters. On the continental stage, though, Leverkusen were more than up for the fight.

Next up for Kasper Hjulmand's outfit on Saturday is the visit of Bayern Munich. That will test Leverkusen to the full, but should they produce a similar display as the one against Arsenal, they can cause the league-leaders plenty of problems. A game against such a strong opponent will be good preparation for the return fixture in London on Tuesday, where Leverkusen will hope it is instead one of their own late goals that sees them progress to last eight.

About the clubs

Bayer Leverkusen

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