Arsenal rescued a late 1-1 draw against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League last-16 first leg, with Kai Havertz's penalty cancelling out Robert Andrich's opener
20:02, 11 Mar 2026Updated 20:02, 11 Mar 2026
Arsenal's German midfielder #29 Kai Havertz scores from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League, Last 16, first-leg football match Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Arsenal in Leverkusen, western Germany, on March 11, 2026.
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Kai Havertz found a late equaliser for the Gunners(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal salvaged a crucial late equaliser away to Bayer Leverkusen in the opening leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.
They were forced to battle hard against the 2024 Europa League champions, but they'll depart Germany feeling optimistic about sealing the tie and advancing to the quarter-finals next week at the Emirates Stadium.
Leverkusen broke the deadlock and it appeared destined to be a first-leg setback, until a driving Noni Madueke surge led to a spot-kick for Arsenal, with Kai Havertz slotting home from 12 yards. And here areDaily Star Sport's player ratings...
Arsenal had fallen behind against the German side
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Arsenal had fallen behind against the German side(Image: AP)
David Raya, 8/10 - Not merely one of Arsenal's finest players this campaign, but amongst the top performers across Europe. Was disappointed by his teammates after producing a magnificent stop moments before the corner that resulted in the 1-0 scoreline, reports the Express.
Jurrien Timber, 6/10 - Probably not the outlet Arsenal wanted receiving the ball on the right flank, but showed strength from a defensive perspective.
William Saliba, 6/10 - Found himself caught out for Andrich's opener, though was otherwise his typically reliable self. Faced plenty of tracking back towards his own goal due to Leverkusen's counter-attacks, yet competed admirably against a challenging Leverkusen frontline.
Gabriel, 6/10 - Similar to his centre-back colleague, it proved a demanding evening, but one the Brazil international handled competently.
Piero Hincapie, 6/10 - Another dependable component of the Arsenal defence. Has secured the left flank, with Riccardo Calafiori now relegated to squad rotation duties.
Martin Zubimendi, 5/10 - His ability is unquestionable, but the issue remains: do Arsenal require him in the engine room for every match? The Spanish midfielder maintains possession flow, though there are occasions when they could benefit from someone willing to attempt a defence-splitting pass.
Declan Rice, 7/10 - He's omnipresent across the pitch. Should every Arsenal player mirror his work rate, they'd have secured the Premier League crown months ago. A genuine dynamo and undoubtedly their most crucial performer.
Eberechi Eze, 5/10 - Failed to track his marker at the far post for Leverkusen's breakthrough, and whilst the Englishman wasn't deployed for his defensive duties, his attacking output proved equally disappointing.
Bukayo Saka, 4/10 - Has disappeared in crucial fixtures for Arsenal far too frequently in recent weeks. A deflected effort in the victory over Brighton shouldn't mask the underlying issues. If the north Londoners are to succeed in the final stretch, the Englishman must raise his standards. Substituted around the hour mark.
Viktor Gyokeres, 5/10 - These were precisely the occasions that Arsenal invested heavily in the Swede for. However, by the conclusion of his 75 minutes on the field, the striker managed no efforts on target. Put simply, it falls well short of expectations.
Gabriel Martinelli, 6/10 - Came within centimetres of breaking the deadlock in the opening period and showed promise in possession before sustaining a knock that seemed to hinder his movement. Has impressed in the Champions League for Arsenal this campaign.
Substitutes:
Noni Madueke, 7/10 - Brought much-needed urgency from the bench, and whilst there's little doubt the winger went to ground easily for the spot-kick appeal, the Englishman at least showed the bravery to take on his opponent.
Kai Havertz, 7/10 - Crushed the spirits of Leverkusen supporters with his late leveller, considering he spent 10 years as a die Werkself player. Maintained his composure and slotted home with a precise penalty to ensure next week's second leg begins all square.
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Gabriel Jesus, N/A.