Newcastle United were left to rue a late lapse as they were held to a 2‑2 draw by Bayer Leverkusen in a crucial UEFA Champions League group stage match at the BayArena. The Magpies twice came from behind and looked set to claim three valuable points, only for a late Alejandro Grimaldo strike to snatch a share of the spoils.
Leverkusen took the lead in the 13th minute in unusual fashion when captain Bruno Guimarães turned a Robert Andrich header into his own net from a corner. Newcastle struggled for rhythm in the first half but improved after the break, showing resilience to turn the game around.
In the 51st minute, Newcastle were awarded a penalty after Mark Flekken hesitated on the ball and was dispossessed inside the area. Anthony Gordon stepped up to confidently convert from the spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and levelling the score. The equaliser sparked belief in the visitors, who pushed forward with increasing intensity.
The turnaround was completed in the 74th minute, when substitute Lewis Miley rose highest to power a header into the net from a teasing Gordon cross. At 19 years old, Miley became Newcastle’s youngest-ever scorer in the Champions League, and for a period it looked as though Howe’s side would secure a memorable away victory.
However, as Newcastle looked to see out the game, Leverkusen pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded late on. In the 88th minute, Alejandro Grimaldo produced a composed finish after a well‑worked move, firing past the Newcastle goalkeeper to make it 2–2 and break Magpies hearts.
Newcastle’s performance showed clear improvement in the second half, with Gordon influential not only in scoring but in creating chances and leading the attack. The team created several opportunities and struck the woodwork, reflecting their attacking intent. Despite dominating periods of the match and showing defensive resilience after the break, the late setback highlighted recurring struggles in closing out tight fixtures.
The draw leaves Newcastle outside the top eight in the group standings, meaning they now face a nervy conclusion to their European campaign with qualification still undecided. Attention will quickly turn to the upcoming Tyne‑Wear derby against Sunderland, where confidence from this strong away effort — but also the sting of late disappointment — will influence preparations.
Overall, Newcastle’s display combined moments of quality and youthful promise with ongoing concerns over concentration and defensive organisation late in matches — a balance that Eddie Howe’s side will need to address as the season progresses both in Europe and domestically.
