Arsenal Held to 1-1 Draw by Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League Last 16 First Leg

Kathmandu. Arsenal drew 1-1 with Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Although Leverkusen took the lead through a goal from Robert Andrich at their home ground, Kai Havertz saved Arsenal from defeat by converting a penalty late in the game.

The first half of the match ended goalless. However, less than a minute into the second half, Robert Andrich scored with a header in the 46th minute to give Leverkusen the lead.

He scored from a corner taken by Álex Grimaldo. With this goal, Arsenal fell behind for the first time this season in the Champions League.

When the home team looked set to win the match, Arsenal was awarded a penalty at the last moment. Kai Havertz converted the opportunity, earned after Noni Madueke was brought down inside the box, into a goal in the 89th minute without any mistake. Interestingly, Havertz started his professional career with Bayer Leverkusen. His goal against his former club secured a crucial away goal for Arsenal.

With this draw, Arsenal's run of eight consecutive wins in the Champions League has come to an end. The second leg between these two teams will now take place at Arsenal's home ground, the Emirates Stadium, and that match will decide which team advances to the quarterfinals.