Alejandro Grimaldo left it painfully late on the BayArena, firing residence within the 88th minute to rescue a 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw for Bayer Leverkusen in opposition to Newcastle United.
What seemed set to be a well-known away win for the Magpies became pure frustration because the Spaniard’s cool end worn out their second-half comeback, making it their second 2-2 attract three video games after that irritating 2-2 Premier League draw with Tottenham
The end result additionally stretched Newcastle’s poor run in opposition to German opposition to 4 video games with no win, whereas conserving Leverkusen’s top-eight hopes alive. The end result got here as a shock to most followers; even Softfootball predicted a 2-1 Newcastle win within the prematch report evaluation.
With only one level separating the edges earlier than kick-off, the opening levels crackled with urgency. Newcastle confirmed early intent by Harvey Barnes, whose sharp effort inside 5 minutes compelled Mark Flekken into a wise save. But it surely was Leverkusen who struck first.
Within the thirteenth minute, Robert Andrich climbed highest at a nook, and his header deflected cruelly off Bruno Guimarães, wrong-footing Aaron Ramsdale for the opener. It was the primary first-half aim Newcastle had conceded on this season’s competitors.
Leverkusen sensed weak spot and pushed once more when Patrik Schick was pulled again on the sting of the field by Malick Thiaw. Penalty appeals have been waved away; the foul was judged simply exterior. Ramsdale saved Newcastle alive with one other robust cease to disclaim Jarell Quansah earlier than the break.
No matter Eddie Howe mentioned at half-time labored. Newcastle returned sharper and braver and have been rewarded within the 51st minute when Flekken clumsily introduced down Nick Woltemade.
Anthony Gordon made no mistake from the spot, drilling in his third straight profitable penalty. Gordon wasn’t finished both; his fierce shot quickly after smashed in opposition to the put up earlier than he turned supplier within the 74th minute, floating in an ideal cross for Lewis Miley to nod Newcastle right into a 2-1 lead.
The Magpies had probabilities to kill it. Jacob Murphy struck the woodwork, Thiaw headed narrowly large, and Ramsdale even picked up a reserving for protesting. After which got here the sucker punch.
A neat link-up between Aleix García and Ibrahim Maza opened a pocket of area, and Grimaldo slid in to interrupt Newcastle hearts. After the Leverkusen recreation, they joked that the Spaniard was additionally able to scoring a non-free-kick aim in a put up made through their Official X account
In the long run, it felt like two factors dropped for the guests, whereas Leverkusen will say they by no means stopped believing, not even for a second.
