UCL: Why Arsenal failed to beat Leverkusen in first leg – Arteta

Arsenal Settles for Draw Against Bayer Leverkusen in Champions League Clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that his team’s performance was impacted by Bayer Leverkusen’s early goal, resulting in a 1-1 draw during the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 match Wednesday night.

Robert Andrich scored for Leverkusen following a corner kick, shifting the momentum of the game in favor of the hosts. However, Arsenal equalized late in the match when Kai Havertz converted a penalty, ensuring the contest ended in a tie.

The result marked the end of Arsenal’s unbeaten streak in this season’s competition as they prepare for the decisive second leg.

“We started the game quite well, but once they scored, everything changed,” Arteta said. “In the second half, we had to maintain our emotional control and composure.”

Reflecting on the penalty, Arteta added, “In the end, we found our way to draw the match. Football often brings surprising moments, and I was impressed by how composed Havertz was when he took the penalty.”

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