Kai Havertz returned to his old stomping grounds to save Arsenal’s blushes on Tuesday night, converting an 89th-minute penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. In a cagey Champions League last-16 first leg defined by tactical skirmishes and "offensive blocks," the Premier League leaders were forced to dig deep after falling behind for the first time in the competition this season.
Leverkusen, managed by Kasper Hjulmand, appeared on the verge of a famous victory after captain Robert Andrich headed home a corner just minutes into the second half. However, the introduction of Noni Madueke and Havertz turned the tide, ensuring Mikel Arteta’s side heads to the Emirates next week on level terms.
Before kick-off, Leverkusen’s social media team jokingly posted “No corners allowed,” poking fun at Arsenal’s set-piece prowess. For 45 minutes, the joke held up as the game remained a midfield slog. But the narrative flipped instantly after the restart.
After David Raya tipped over a Martin Terrier header, the resulting corner, delivered by Alex Grimaldo, found an unmarked Andrich at the far post. The Leverkusen captain, who was arguably lucky to still be on the pitch after two horrible challenges on Viktor Gyokeres, powered his header home. The Leverkusen social media account’s response? “Well, this is awkward.”
The goal sparked a fascinating sideline exchange between Arsenal’s set-piece coach Nicolas Jover and Hjulmand. The Leverkusen boss had questioned Arsenal’s use of physical "blocks" during corners in his pre-match presser, but used the same tactic to score the opener.
You do it too, eh?Nicolas Jover to Kasper Hjulmand
I was just questioning whether it is in the rules to body check and take a player out to make space. He just said, 'You do it too, eh?'. It's the same for all teams, we are all doing itKasper Hjulmand
Mikel Arteta expressed frustration at conceding from a routine his team had explicitly prepared for:
We showed them three clips from last weekend in three different ways, and we weren't ready for it, and we got caught. Emotionally it became a very different challenge... we had to really dig in.Mikel Arteta
With captain Bukayo Saka struggling to impact the game, Arteta made the bold call to withdraw him for Noni Madueke. The English winger gave Arsenal the drive they were missing., eventually winning the controversial 89th-minute penalty after a challenge from Malik Tillman.
Havertz, who joined Leverkusen as a ten-year-old, showed top composure to dispatch the spot-kick against his former club. Keeping his celebration muted, the German forward ensured Arsenal remain favorites to reach the last eight.
I don't really know what happened [for the penalty]. I just know I felt contact, went down and penalty. Kai Havertz has been scoring high-pressure penalties all his career... really pleased, not just for him but the team as well.Noni Madueke
First time behind: This was the first time Arsenal have trailed in the Champions League during the 2025-26 campaign.
Redemption arc: The last time these sides met in the CL (2001-02), a 1-1 draw in Germany was followed by a 4-1 Arsenal win at home.
Squad depth: Arteta made 10 changes from the side that beat Mansfield in the FA Cup, signaling his focus on European silverware.
Young gunners: Despite the draw, Arsenal have now avoided defeat in four of their last five CL knockout away games.
Leverkusen demonstrated that they are more resilient than the team that previously lost to Arsenal. While Hjulmand’s side was organized and clinical, the level of execution Arteta expects at the Emirates usually spells trouble for visitors.