Arteta Highlights How 'Football Writes Crazy Stories' As Havertz Salvages Point Against Former Club

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 12:25 IST

Robert Andrich opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 46th minute. Havertz, who replaced Viktor Gyokeres, helped Mikel Arteta's team salvage a point.

Arsenal secured a draw at the BayArena in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match on Thursday, with Kai Havertz coming off the bench to equalise against his former club.

Robert Andrich opened the scoring for Leverkusen in the 46th minute. Havertz, who replaced Viktor Gyokeres, helped Mikel Arteta’s team salvage a point.

“Football writes crazy stories," Arteta said following the conclusion of the game.

“It’s of course extraordinary that Kai returns here after so many years and converted the penalty. It’s a great story."

Andrich’s goal came after a goalless first half, but Havertz levelled the score from the penalty spot in the 89th minute after Noni Madueke was fouled by Max Tillman inside the area.

“Penalties in the last minutes are not always easy. The time between the whistle and taking the penalty felt like eternity. But in these moments you need to be present," Havertz said.

“These are the moments I’ve worked for for years, to be there in moments like that. I know the stadium and I’ve already converted many penalties from this spot," the German continued.

“Of course I’m sorry for Leverkusen, but that’s football," he said.

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