The first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 continued, with Arsenal, playing at the BayArena, drawing 1-1 with German top team Bayer Leverkusen after trailing, thanks to a late penalty from Havertz.

Two minutes into the match, Arsenal striker Dzekeresh was tackled by Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Andritch as he received the ball, and the referee showed Andritch a yellow card. In the 7th minute, Bayer Leverkusen launched an attack, and Christian Cofane received a cross from Martin Terrier and took a long-range shot, but the ball was caught by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

In the 13th minute, Gabriel lost possession to Christian Cofane, and Rice immediately attacked, denying Leverkusen's shot. In the 15th minute, Christian Cofane passed the ball to Ibrahim Maza, who received it and shot from the penalty area, but the ball went over the post.

In the 19th minute, Arsenal attempted a counter-attack. Dzekeresh turned and passed the ball diagonally into the penalty area, where Martinelli took a shot, but the ball went over the post. In the 21st minute, Cuaanza received the ball and fired a shot, but the ball struck Gabriel's chin. In the 24th minute, Incapie received possession in the penalty area and shot, but the ball was intercepted by Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Blasvic.

In the 37th minute, Bayer Leverkusen goalkeeper Blasvic kicked off, and Ibrahim Maza received the ball and passed it into the penalty area, but the ball was cleared by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya. In the 44th minute, Rice created an attacking opportunity, and Saka followed up with a shot, but it was blocked.

In the 47th minute of the second half, Grimaldo took a corner kick, and Andrić headed the ball into the net, giving Bayer Leverkusen a 1-0 lead. In the 45th minute, Eze delivered a cross, and Martinelli's header went wide. In the 59th minute, Martinelli was brought down by Ernest Poku while dribbling forward, and the referee showed Poku a yellow card.

In the 65th minute, Ibrahim Maza received a pass from his teammate and took a long-range shot, but the ball went wide of the goal. In the 77th minute, Leverkusen created another attacking opportunity, with Alex Garcia receiving the ball and taking a long-range shot from outside the penalty area, but the ball went over the post.

In the 83rd minute, Incapie dribbled past his defender on the left wing and chipped the ball into the penalty area, where Timber rose to head it but missed the target. In the 86th minute, Maduk was tripped by Malik Tillman in the penalty area, and after VAR intervention, the referee awarded Arsenal a penalty. Havertz then converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1 for Arsenal.

Arsenal ultimately drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen at home.

Image source: Internet