The German media came out to bat for Arsenal after the Gunners sealed a controversial last-minute equaliser at Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League
17:27, 12 Mar 2026
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal were far from their best in the Champions League last-16 first leg against Bayer Leverkusen
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Mikel Arteta's Arsenal were chastised by some sections of the German media following their draw against Bayer Leverkusen(Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))
The gloves came off among Germany's media in response to Bayer Leverkusen's shock draw against Arsenal. And it could have been so much more were it not for Kai Havertz's equaliser in the 89th minute to salvage a 1-1 first-leg result.
Robert Andrich's goal early in the second period had Leverkusen on the verge of a famous Champions League night. As it turned out, however, the former prodigal son returned to devastate his old employers.
There was a sense of acrimony in some sectors for the manner in which Mikel Arteta's men were awarded their last-gasp penalty. Replays showed Noni Madueke may have delayed his descent after being fouled by Malik Tillman in the box, though the contact made was sufficient to see the officials' logic.
Bild called the spot-kick decision "questionable" and highlighted the point that Tillman "barely made contact" with Madueke's ankle. Nevertheless, it was enough to convince referee Halil Umut Meler the spot-kick should stand.
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Leverkusen's players unsurprisingly protested the decision as the BayArena responded in light of the late drama. However, it wasn't enough to stop Havertz scoring at his old stomping ground, six years after he first left for English shores.
The critique was a little more black and white in the case of Suddeutsche Zeitung, which said Leverkusen were "robbed" of the result. However, that seems a blinkered summary of proceedings considering Arsenal had more possession and only one fewer shot that hit the target.
Kai Havertz of Arsenal (C) celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with Martin Zubimendi (L) and Declan Rice m(rduring the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Arsenal
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Kai Havertz slotted the last-minute penalty against his old club to keep the Champions League dream alive(Image: Getty Images)
Arteta's side had the majority of corners, more dribbling success and won twice as many aerial duels (14 to seven) as their hosts. Not to mention the fact Gabriel Martinelli hit the woodwork, a development that could have even handed Arsenal the win.
Der Spiegel was somewhat more diplomatic in its own assessment but nonetheless targeted Leverkusen for most of its praise. The paper wrote that Die Werkself played "Arsenal football that annoyed Arsenal," remarking on the hosts' smash and grab tactics focusing heavily on set pieces.
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The outlet went on to say Arteta "would have been delighted" with the draw. Perhaps in retrospect given his side trailed after 88 minutes, though Arteta certainly didn't give any sense of elation in his post-match press conference.
Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger refrained from chastising Arsenal for their share of the spoils but called the result a "bitter pill to swallow" for Leverkusen. The German daily even found room for acceptance that the draw was perhaps symptomatic of an inconsistent host team.
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"Leverkusen, on the other hand, are lagging behind their Bundesliga ambitions, having stagnated in their recent development," read one excerpt. " Before the two teams' Champions League round of 16 clash, the only real question was how badly the English powerhouse would humiliate the Germans.
"Far from it. With a flawless performance, plenty of commitment, and some brilliant moments, Leverkusen managed to snatch a draw against the favourites."