Arsenal’s unbeaten start to their Champions League campaign ended with a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday. The result, secured by a late Kai Havertz penalty, sets up a decisive second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The hosts took the lead midway through the first half when Robert Andrich converted from a corner kick, capitalising on Arsenal’s defensive set-piece vulnerability. However, Arsenal responded in the 74th minute when Leandro Trossard was fouled in the box, allowing Havertz to calmly slot home the equaliser from the spot.
Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that Leverkusen’s goal disrupted his side’s initial control, stating the game entered “very different periods.” He noted that after conceding, his team had to demonstrate emotional restraint and composure during the second-half pressure. “In the end we found our way to draw the match,” Arteta said, adding he was impressed by Havertz’s poise under the penalty spotlight.
The draw halts Arsenal’s perfect record in this season’s competition, having won all six of their group-stage matches. For Bayer Leverkusen, unbeaten in all competitions this season, the result extends their strong European form and keeps their hopes of progressing alive.
The outcome leaves the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in London next month. Both teams will now prepare for the decisive second fixture, where a single goal could prove crucial in determining which side advances to the Champions League quarter-finals.
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