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By Our Reporter
Arsenal fought back to secure a 1–1 draw against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 clash at the BayArena.
Leverkusen took the lead early in the second half when captain Robert Andrich headed home from a corner delivered by Alex Grimaldo. The goal came from a well-worked set piece that caught Arsenal’s defence off guard.
Arsenal had dominated the first half and came close to scoring when Gabriel Martinelli struck the crossbar. However, the visitors were forced to chase the game after Andrich’s opener.
Manager Mikel Arteta introduced substitutes late in the match, a move that proved decisive. Winger Noni Madueke won a penalty after being challenged in the box, and Kai Havertz calmly converted in the 89th minute against his former club.
The late equaliser ensured Arsenal avoided defeat and remain well-placed ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium in London.
Arteta admitted his team should have dealt better with the set piece that led to Leverkusen’s goal but praised his players for staying composed and fighting back.
The draw keeps Arsenal in contention as they continue their push for success in multiple competitions this season.