Arsenal avoids defeat in Leverkusen with a goal from a questionable penalty in the 89th minute

(Patria) - Bayer and Arsenal players drew 1:1 in Leverkusen tonight in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16.

Kai's goal means it ends all square in Leverkusen 👊

Let's settle this at Arsenal Stadium, Gunners. pic.twitter.com/5gQZZJCGaz

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 11, 2026

Both teams' players approached the match very cautiously, and an even first 45 minutes yielded no goals.

The visiting players came closest, specifically Martinelli, who rattled the crossbar fiercely in the 20th minute.

The Premier League leaders conceded a goal right at the start of the second half. After a corner, Andrich scored in the 46th minute to the great celebration at the BayArena, making it 1:0 for the hosts.

Arsenal played very uninventively in attack for the entire match, but still managed to score a goal towards the end, after a rather dubiously awarded penalty.

Madueke fell in the home penalty area in the 86th minute, and after a VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Havertz was accurate from the spot three minutes later for a final score of 1:1.

The return leg is in six days in London.