Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw (0-0) in the Champions League round of 16 first leg at BayArena. Robert Andrich headed Leverkusen ahead early in the second half, before Kai Havertz equalized from the penalty spot in the 89th minute. The result leaves the tie poised ahead of the return leg at the Emirates.
The Champions League round of 16 first leg between Bayer Leverkusen and Arsenal ended 1-1 at BayArena on March 11, 2026, in front of 30,210 sell-out spectators. Arsenal, who topped the league phase with eight wins, 23 goals scored and four conceded, dominated possession but struggled to create clear chances. Leverkusen, sixth in the Bundesliga after a playoff win over Olympiacos, showed commitment and solidity in defense.
The first half was goalless, with Leverkusen starting brightly through early efforts from Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza, while Arsenal's best chance came in the 19th minute when Gabriel Martinelli struck the post (or crossbar per some reports) on a counter.
Ten seconds into the second half, Martin Terrier headed against Arsenal keeper David Raya, and from the resulting corner, Robert Andrich scored with a header assisted by Jarell Quansah to make it 1-0 in the 46th minute. Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta responded with substitutions, including Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, a former Leverkusen youth product who left in 2020 and was applauded by home fans.
In the 87th/89th minute, Madueke drove into the box and was fouled by Malik Tillman (VAR-confirmed), allowing Havertz to convert the penalty for 1-1. Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand demanded courage pre-match and later disputed the penalty: “I am disappointed with the penalty at the end. I don’t see a penalty there." Arteta praised his team's resilience: “Emotionally we understood what we had to do, but execution has to be better.”
Havertz said on DAZN: "I'm glad I played and scored... We're happy we managed the draw." Leverkusen keeper Janis Blaswich called it "bitter" but added: "We played very maturely, very grippy." Andrich noted: "Next week we have another chance."
Arsenal's William Saliba started despite fitness concerns, with Martin Odegaard and Ben White absent. The winner advances to face Bodø/Glimt or Sporting CP in the quarterfinals. Leverkusen host Bayern Munich on Saturday before the return leg next Tuesday in London.
