Werkself review #B04ARS: ‘Played really well against a top opponent’

Summary: Focussed and combative

Bayer 04 were on equal terms with the Gunners in the first half, keeping the visitors away from their own goal for the most part - a shot against the bar from Gabriel Martinelli (20') was the only dangerous action from the north Londoners - and the Werkself had some promising moves of their own. The industrious Christian Kofane (7’) and Ibrahim Maza (16’) lacked the necessary precision. After the break, the Black and Reds broke the deadlock when Robert Andrich scored with a header from a corner kick (46'). With the lead and the vociferous support of the Bayer 04 fans behind them, the Werkself defended well with discipline and organisation with Exequiel Palacios and did not give anything away - until referee Umut Meler penalised Malik Tillman for a foul in his own penalty area and pointed to the spot. Substitute Kai Havertz stepped up and converted to make the final score 1-1 (89').

• Match report
• Match highlights

Reaction: "A lot of hope" for the second leg in London

"We played really well against a top opponent and didn't give away too many chances," said head coach Kasper Hjulmand before adding: "We moved well and also did well on the ball." Nevertheless, the Dane had "mixed feelings" afterwards: "We're a bit disappointed about the last action, also because I didn't see it as a penalty."

Hjulmand had particular praise for Robert Andrich, who "as a very experienced player, played an outstanding game after his early yellow card". Despite the late goal conceded, the 53-year-old was "very hopeful" about the second leg in just under a week's time thanks to his team's good display, and he and his team want to "put in another great performance to take the opportunity to progress".

"It's always nice, but I would have preferred the win," said captain Andrich about his man of the match award. Like his coach, he was nevertheless satisfied with the team's performance: "It was a very good performance from us, we played with maturity." He briefly commented on his goal: "A good block, a good ball from Grima (Alejandro Grimaldo, ed.), a good run from me, a very nice goal." Christian Kofane saw Bayer 04 as "well prepared" and "focussed" on the night. Although the young striker was also disappointed about the late goal, he hoped "the fans are still happy - we continue to work hard for them".

What the papers say: "Penalty worthy of discussion"

"Flattering Havertz penalty costs Werkself the win", was the kicker headline in what they saw as a "highly concentrated Leverkusen defence". Bild Zeitung also reported a "penalty worthy of discussion" and said Bayer 04 had defended the lead "against the favoured Londoners with great concentration and almost no problems". The paper added: "Leverkusen proved today they can absolutely compete with the Premier League leaders and could have deserved the win in the end." The Rheinische Post also saw a Werkself "in good form" with the headline: "Bayer Leverkusen preserve all chances for the second leg".

Personnel: Grimaldo scoring machine

As in the two previous Bundesliga duels, Christian Kofane also put in a convincing performance in the Champions League. Although he was not directly involved in a goal this time, he can still be pleased to be the second youngest player ever to start for Bayer 04 in a Champions League knockout match at the age of 19 years and 228 days - following on from home-grown Kai Havertz in February 2017 against Atlético Madrid (17 years, 255 days). Kofane is also the second-youngest Cameroonian to achieve this feat after Joël Matip (19 years, 191 days). Martin Terrier was also in the starting line-up for the first time in the Champions League this term.

His header shortly after half-time was only the second UCL goal for Robert Andrich, the first coming against Atlético Madrid in September 2022. The assist was once again provided by Alejandro Grimaldo - the Spaniard has now been directly involved in seven goals (four goals, three assists) in the current UCL campaign. Only Michael Ballack surpassed that in the Leverkusen camp with nine goal involvements in the 2001/02 season.

Before kick-off, Kai Havertz, back at the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club, was honoured for his many years of service under the Cross. Werner Wenning (Chair of the Shareholders' Committee), Fernando Carro, CEO, and Managing Director Sport Simon Rolfes thanked the 26-year-old. Havertz joined Bayer 04 as a ten-year-old, made the step up from youth to professional football in 2016 and scored 46 goals in 150 appearances for the Werkself. After signing for Chelsea, he won the Champions League with the Blues in 2021 and has been playing for Arsenal since 2023.

Stats: Attack-minded Werkself on a par

The 1-1 draw means the Werkself are now unbeaten in four consecutive UCL matches. It was also the first draw in the Round of 16 since the 0-0 scoreline at Atlético Madrid in 2016/17, while the visitors from the UK had to settle for a draw for the first time in this Champions League campaign after eight consecutive victories and they also went behind for the first time in Europe this season.

In terms of the game, the Black and Reds were at least on a par with the Gunners on the night, as a glance at the stats shows: Although the north Londoners had slightly more possession (55 per cent), the numbers were in Leverkusen's favour in terms of shots (10:6), duels won (51 per cent) and pass completion (88 per cent; Arsenal: 87 per cent).

Next up: Second leg follows Bayern Munich at home

The Werkself' top-flight campaign continues on Saturday, 14 March (kick-off: 15:30 CET), when Bayern Munich visit the BayArena on Bundesliga matchday 26. Bayer 04 will then travel to London for the second leg of the UCL Round of 16 tie with Arsenal on Tuesday, 17 March (kick-off: 21:00 CET).