Alejandro Grimaldo rescued Bayer Leverkusen with an 88th-minute equaliser in a dramatic UEFA Champions League clash at the BayArena, denying Newcastle United a famous comeback victory. The 2-2 draw keeps Leverkusen’s hopes alive while extending Newcastle’s winless run against German opposition to four matches.
Match Overview
This match had massive implications, with only a single point separating the two sides before kick-off. Both teams came out with fire and urgency, creating chances immediately. Newcastle tested Mark Flekken early through Harvey Barnes, but it was Leverkusen who struck first.
Robert Andrich’s header — taking a deflection off Bruno Guimarães — wrong-footed Aaron Ramsdale to give Die Werkself the lead. It was the first time Newcastle had conceded before halftime in this season’s Champions League campaign, showing how strong Leverkusen’s start was.
The hosts nearly doubled their advantage minutes later via a penalty shout after Malick Thiaw pulled back Patrik Schick, but VAR confirmed the foul occurred just outside the box. Still, Leverkusen dominated the first-half exchanges, forcing Ramsdale into key saves, including a sharp stop from Jarell Quansah’s powerful strike.
Newcastle Fight Back Strongly
Sean Dyche’s men returned from the break with renewed strength and intensity. Their pressing forced mistakes, and the breakthrough finally arrived when Flekken collided with Nick Woltemade, giving Newcastle a clear penalty.
Anthony Gordon stepped up with confidence and buried his spot-kick into the bottom-left corner. It was his third consecutive penalty scored — a sign of his rising influence in Newcastle’s European charge.
Gordon then rattled the post with a driven shot as momentum shifted in favour of the visitors. The Magpies’ determination paid off again in the 74th minute when Gordon delivered a superb cross that substitute Lewis Miley expertly nodded in. Newcastle were now in complete control.
Late Drama at the BayArena
Newcastle pushed for a decisive third goal, but missed opportunities proved costly. Flekken brilliantly denied Malick Thiaw’s close-range header, and Jacob Murphy smashed an effort off the base of the post.
Those wasted chances came back to haunt them.
Leverkusen countered with purpose, and in the 88th minute, a slick passing sequence between Aleix Garcia and Ibrahim Maza sliced open the Newcastle backline. The ball fell to Alejandro Grimaldo, who calmly slotted home the equaliser.
The BayArena erupted. Leverkusen snatched a vital point that keeps their top-eight dreams very much alive. Newcastle, meanwhile, missed a golden chance to climb the table — a result that stings given how close they were to a memorable away win.
Key Takeaways for Tanzanian Fans
- This match was a true Champions League classic, filled with pace, physicality, and late drama — exactly the kind of football excitement Tanzanian fans love.
- Newcastle showed incredible fight, but Leverkusen’s resilience at home proved decisive.
- Anthony Gordon continues shining on the European stage, while Grimaldo remains one of the most dangerous full-backs in Europe.
- With top-eight qualification still in the balance, both teams will enter their next fixtures under immense pressure.
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Conclusion
Leverkusen vs Newcastle delivered unforgettable Champions League drama. Newcastle showed character to turn the game around, but Leverkusen’s never-say-die spirit earned them a deserved point. As the league phase nears its conclusion, every match becomes critical — and both teams still have everything to fight for.
For fans in Tanzania, the excitement continues — and Bangbet ensures you can be part of every moment.
