A dramatic late penalty from Kai Havertz helped Arsenal F.C. secure a 1–1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen, ending the Gunners’ eight-game winning streak in the UEFA Champions League.
Leverkusen looked set for victory after Robert Andrich headed home from a corner just seconds into the second half, handing Arsenal their first deficit in this season’s Champions League.
But the visitors struck late. After Noni Madueke was brought down in the box following a VAR review, Havertz stepped up in the 89th minute and calmly converted the penalty against his former club.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admitted his team dominated large spells but failed to take their chances.
“We controlled the game but let it slip away for a while. In the end, we deserved the equaliser,” Arteta said.
The Gunners had earlier come close when Gabriel Martinelli smashed a powerful effort against the crossbar in the first half.
With the tie now level, both teams will battle again in the decisive second leg at Emirates Stadium next Tuesday for a place in the quarter-finals.
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