Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal: Havertz the hero with late equaliser against his former club | OneFootball

A late penalty from Kai Havertz rescued Arsenal as they clawed back a 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie at the BayArena.

The first half ended goalless, with Gabriel Martinelli coming closest in the 19th minute when his left-footed strike crashed off the crossbar.

Although he was fortunate not to be sent off in the first half, Robert Andrich broke the deadlock shortly after the restart, heading home from close range following a corner.

But Havertz had the final say for the Gunners, calmly converting from the penalty spot in the 89th minute to level the match and take a valuable result back to the Emirates.

As it happened

Arsenal F.C. settled well in the early stages in a noisy BayArena, with the game taking on an open feel that suited the visitors when launching counter-attacks.

Gabriel Martinelli came inches from firing Arsenal ahead when Viktor Gyökeres laid the ball off following a swift attack, but the Brazilian’s strike from a tight angle crashed off the woodwork.

Hjulmand would have been pleased with his side’s first-half performance, with the organisation of the back three frustrating the Arsenal front line, alongside encouraging moments from Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza.

Bayer Leverkusen made the dream start to the second half, finding the net after just a minute.

David Raya initially denied an opener with a superb tip over the bar from Martin Terrier’s header, but the danger was not over for Arsenal.

Alejandro Grimaldo delivered the resulting corner, and Arsenal were given a taste of their own medicine from a set piece, as Andrich nodded home from close range at the back post to spark celebrations at the BayArena.

After a strong spell from Leverkusen in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, the Gunners gradually regained control as they searched for a leveller in Germany.

Noni Madueke and Havertz were introduced by Mikel Arteta as the visitors looked for a crucial away goal.

Jurriën Timber came close to equalising in the 83rd minute when his close-range header from Martinelli’s cross flew over the bar – a huge chance missed.

Three minutes later, Arsenal were handed a lifeline when Madueke was brought down in the penalty area. The challenge appeared soft, but the on-field decision stood after a brief VAR check.

Havertz calmly converted from the spot against his former club to bring Arsenal level and set up a tense finale.

Arsenal pushed for a winner during the three minutes of added time, but a draw was probably a fair result and leaves the tie finely poised ahead of the second leg at the Emirates.