Andrich and ex-Leverkusen star Havertz react to first-leg stalemate

The Leverkusen midfielder and Arsenal’s goal-scorer on the night reflected on a hectic night at the BayArena.

Having been denied of a famous triumph at the death against Arsenal tonight, Bayer Leverkusen captain Robin Andrich was left to rue a victory that got away. 

“I’m leaving this match with mixed feelings. On the one hand, we played well. On the other hand, we should have won today,” Andrich told reporters in the mixed zone afterwards.

“Now they’ll be under less pressure in the second leg. Of course, I would have liked things to have turned out differently. But we still believe we can spring a surprise,” he added. 

Andrich’s goal looked likely to be the winner until Kai Havertz – who played for Leverkusen from 2016 to 2020 – converted a late penalty and consigned his former employers to a draw.

“The time between the penalty whistle and the penalty kick felt like an eternity, of course. But in the end, you have to be mentally present in those moments,” said Havertz on the spot-kick.

“I know the stadium well and have taken many penalties from this spot. That’s why I felt good. Another big task awaits us next week,” he added, looking ahead to the second-leg match.

For now, Kasper Hjulmand’s side must turn their attention to the domestic front. An important meeting with Bayern Munich will take place on Saturday before Tuesday’s trip to London.