Arsenal Holds Bayer Leverkusen to 1-1 Draw in UCL Round of 16

Havertz penalty salvages late draw for Arsenal

Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen play out a thrilling 1-1 draw in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg, with Kai Havertz scoring a late penalty.

Robert Andrich's first-half header canceled out by Kai Havertz's penalty as Arsenal holds on for a draw...

Kai Havertz came up clutch, scoring a late penalty to salvage a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Bayer Leverkusen in the UCL Round of 16 first leg. The result ends Arsenal's perfect record in the competition this season and leaves everything to play for in the second leg.

Bayer Leverkusen dominated early, with Robert Andrich getting booked within two minutes for pulling down Viktor Gyokeres. The Gunners struggled to break through, but Havertz's penalty late on gave them a lifeline.

Christian Kofane kept causing problems for Arsenal, helping Leverkusen grow into the game. David Raya made crucial saves, including one on Kofane's long-range shot, while Ibrahim Maza's effort went off-target.

As the game opened up, Arsenal had chances too. Gabriel Martinelli's shot hit the crossbar, and Gabriel Magalhaes made a brave block to deny Jarell Quansah. The game was heating up.

Returning to his parent club, Piero Hincapié saw his shot from a tight angle saved, but with so much at stake, there was more of a combative nature to the action rather than a creative spark as the first half progressed. 

That was epitomised shortly before the break when Exequiel Palacios stopped Bukayo Saka in his own box and released Kofane, who was then halted by Gabriel and William Saliba.

Leverkusen came out strong after the break, with Martin Terrier's header forcing a great save from David Raya. But the hosts capitalized on the ensuing corner, with Robert Andrich heading home to give them the lead.

Piero Hincapié had a chance to double the lead, but his header from Declan Rice's free-kick went off target. Arsenal pushed for an equalizer, with Noni Madueke coming on for Bukayo Saka. The Gunners created chances, but Leverkusen looked comfortable for stretches, even wasting opportunities like Jurrien Timber's header over the bar.

Havertz scores a late penalty to rescue a draw against his former club 🔴#UCL pic.twitter.com/xTUVcLIFCE

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 11, 2026

Leverkusen's comfort was short-lived, as Malik Tillman gave away a penalty, sliding in on Noni Madueke. Kai Havertz stepped up, converting the spot-kick despite Janis Blaswich's dive, leveling the tie against his former club.

The late penalty leaves everything to play for in the second leg. Leverkusen settles for a fourth draw in four games, while Arsenal extends its unbeaten run to 12 matches.