Arsenal draw 1–1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League playoff first leg after Kai Havertz scores a late penalty in Germany

Arsenal F.C. staged a late comeback to secure a 1–1 draw against Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 playoff clash in Germany on Wednesday night.

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The Premier League side looked set for defeat at the BayArena after the hosts broke the deadlock early in the second half.

Midfielder Robert Andrich put Leverkusen ahead in the 46th minute, rising above the Arsenal defence to power a header into the net from a corner delivered by Alejandro Grimaldo.

Leverkusen controlled large spells of the encounter after taking the lead, forcing Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya into several important saves to keep the visitors within reach.

Arsenal had earlier threatened during a lively first half when Gabriel Martinelli struck the crossbar with a powerful effort.

Manager Mikel Arteta later introduced fresh attacking options as Arsenal increased pressure in search of an equaliser.

The breakthrough eventually came late in the match when the referee awarded Arsenal a penalty following a foul inside the penalty area.

After a brief VAR review confirmed the decision, substitute Kai Havertz calmly converted from the spot in the 89th minute, sending the ball into the bottom corner past goalkeeper Janis Blaswich.

The dramatic equaliser silenced the home crowd of more than 30,000 spectators and ensured Arsenal returned to London with a valuable result ahead of the decisive second leg.

Leverkusen had earlier created several opportunities to extend their lead, with players such as Aleix García and Christian Kofane testing the Arsenal defence, but the English side held firm to keep the deficit manageable.

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The draw leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the return leg at Emirates Stadium, where both teams will battle for a place in the quarter-finals of Europe’s premier club competition.