UCL: Newcastle United Held to 2-2 Draw by Bayer Leverkusen

Grimaldo's 88th-minute equalizer rescues Leverkusen

Alejandro Grimaldo's 88th-minute goal secures a 2-2 draw for Bayer Leverkusen against Newcastle United in the Champions League.

The Magpies had chances to extend their lead, with Malick Thiaw's close-range header superbly saved by Mark Flekken...

Alejandro Grimaldo's 88th-minute equalizer denied Newcastle United a dramatic win, with Leverkusen securing a 2-2 draw. The match was a thrilling encounter, with both teams creating chances in an intense opening.

The game was perfectly open, with Bayer Leverkusen's early pressure countered by Newcastle's attacking forays, setting the tone for a pulsating 90 minutes in Leverkusen.

Leverkusen got the game off to a great start, with Mark Flekken making a crucial save against Harvey Barnes' effort inside five minutes. However, it was Leverkusen who took the lead shortly after, thanks to Robert Andrich's header that deflected off Bruno Guimaraes and past Aaron Ramsdale, marking Newcastle's first half-time concession in this season's UCL.

The hosts thought they had a penalty in the 21st minute when Malick Thiaw pulled back Patrik Schick, but referee Serdar Gozubuyuk ruled the foul was just outside the box.

Newcastle regrouped after the scare, pushing for an equalizer before half-time. Leverkusen continued to threaten, with Jarell Quansah's powerful strike tipped over by Aaron Ramsdale.

The visitors came out strong in the second half, and were awarded a penalty when Mark Flekken fouled Nick Woltemade in the box. This set-up a potential turning point in the match.

Anthony Gordon stepped up to take the penalty and coolly scored his third spot-kick in as many games, sending the ball into the bottom-left corner and leveling the game. The match was on a knife's edge, with Gordon's follow-up effort hitting the post, and Ernest Poku wasting a great chance for Leverkusen.

The game was swinging back and forth, with both teams pushing for the winner.

Newcastle took the lead in the 74th minute when Anthony Gordon's precise delivery was headed home by substitute Lewis Miley, giving the Magpies a 2-1 lead. However, Leverkusen's hopes were reignited when Alejandro Grimaldo scored an 88th-minute equalizer, securing a 2-2 draw.

Grimaldo scores late for Leverkusen ⚫️🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/begpyB0Pyt

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) December 10, 2025

The Magpies had chances to extend their lead, with Malick Thiaw's close-range header superbly saved by Mark Flekken, and Jacob Murphy firing a powerful strike against the post. Despite their efforts, Newcastle couldn't hold on to their lead, and Grimaldo's late goal denied them a crucial win.

Newcastle's missed chances ultimately cost them, as Leverkusen's Alejandro Grimaldo scored an 88th-minute equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw. Grimaldo's composed finish, set up by a neat link-up between Aleix Garcia and Ibrahim Maza, kept Leverkusen's hopes of a top-eight finish alive.

The late goal denied Newcastle the chance to rise to sixth in the table, with Leverkusen's point keeping them in contention for a spot in the knockout stage. Leverkusen will look to build on this result in their remaining two group matches, while Newcastle will aim to bounce back from this narrow miss.