Kai Havertz scores late penalty to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen

Kai Havertz returned to haunt his former club with a dramatic late penalty that secured Arsenal a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 tie.

The German forward kept his composure from the spot in the 88th minute to ensure the contest remains finely balanced ahead of next week’s second leg at Emirates Stadium.

The match at the BayArena had been drifting toward a narrow victory for the home side after Robert Andrich’s early second-half goal appeared to give Leverkusen the advantage.

However, Arsenal struck late through Havertz after substitute Noni Madueke was brought down inside the penalty area.

The incident followed a burst into the box from Madueke that forced a defensive challenge. The referee immediately pointed to the spot, though the decision was checked by VAR before being confirmed.

Despite the delay and attempts by Leverkusen players to disrupt the moment, Havertz stepped forward and calmly beat goalkeeper Janis Blaswich to level the score.

The goal carried extra significance for the striker, who began his professional career at Bayer Leverkusen and spent a decade progressing through the club’s ranks before moving abroad.

Earlier in the evening, the game had started cautiously with both teams appearing aware that the tie would ultimately be decided over two legs.

The opening half offered limited chances, but Arsenal came closest to scoring through Gabriel Martinelli.

A well-worked move down the right saw Bukayo Saka deliver the ball into the box after linking up with Jurrien Timber. The attack continued as Ebere Eze and Viktor Gyokeres combined to set up Martinelli, whose powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.

The rebound bounced dangerously across the goal but evaded Saka, allowing Leverkusen to escape without conceding.

At the other end, young Leverkusen player Christian Kofane had an early opportunity but fired straight at Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

The first half eventually ended without a goal, with both sides struggling to break down the opposing defence.

However, the deadlock was broken almost immediately after the restart.

Within 45 seconds of the second half beginning, Leverkusen took the lead through captain Robert Andrich.

The hosts had already threatened moments earlier when Martin Terrier forced Raya into a save. From the resulting corner, Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a cross to the back post, where Andrich rose to head the ball into the net.

The goal ended Arsenal’s record as the only team in this season’s Champions League that had not fallen behind in a match.

Despite the early setback, Arsenal gradually regained control of possession and looked for an equaliser.

Manager Mikel Arteta attempted to change the momentum by introducing Madueke and Havertz from the bench.

Both substitutes would eventually play a decisive role.

Madueke’s late run into the penalty area forced the challenge that led to the spot kick, while Havertz provided the finishing touch that salvaged the result.

The draw leaves the tie evenly poised heading into the second leg in London next week.

Arsenal will now hope home advantage at the Emirates Stadium can help them secure progression to the Champions League quarter-finals.

For Leverkusen, the late penalty will feel like a missed opportunity after leading for much of the second half.

But with everything still to play for, the decisive chapter of the tie will unfold in the return leg.