Kai Havertz scored a late penalty as Arsenal F.C. came from behind to draw with Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie at the BayArena.
The German forward, who spent 10 years at Leverkusen before joining Chelsea F.C. for £71 million in 2020, calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Janis Blaswich in the 89th minute after Noni Madueke had been brought down by Malik Tillman inside the box.
Arsenal had fallen behind for the first time in the competition this season when Robert Andrich headed home a well-delivered corner from Alex Grimaldo just one minute into the second half.
The Gunners entered the match with a perfect record in the Champions League this season, and manager Mikel Arteta made 10 changes to the side that comfortably defeated Mansfield Town F.C. in the FA Cup fifth round at the weekend.
Arteta later introduced Madueke and Havertz from the bench after the visitors went behind, with both players combining to produce the equaliser.
Madueke’s powerful run into the penalty area was halted by a late challenge from Tillman, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick despite strong protests from the home supporters.
Havertz remained composed to convert the penalty into the corner of the net, though the 26-year-old forward kept his celebration subdued out of respect for the club he joined as a youngster in 2010.
Although Arsenal’s winning run in the competition came to an end, the London side will be satisfied to have secured a draw and will head into next Tuesday’s second leg as favourites to progress.
