Kai Havertz Late Penalty Earns Arsenal 1-1 Draw Against Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen — Arsenal avoided defeat in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash after Kai Havertz scored a late penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen. The German side began the match with high intensity and created several early chances as they looked to take control of the game.

Leverkusen eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half when Robert Andrich headed in from a corner delivered by Alejandro Grimaldo. Arsenal pushed forward in search of an equalizer but struggled to find clear scoring opportunities as the match approached its final minutes.

Their breakthrough came late in the game when substitute Noni Madueke was fouled inside the penalty area, giving Arsenal a crucial opportunity. Havertz stepped up and calmly converted the penalty in the 89th minute, scoring against his former club and ensuring the match ended in a draw.

The result leaves the tie evenly balanced ahead of the decisive second leg at the Emirates Stadium.