Arsenal's perfect Champions League record ended in a 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen as their own set-piece strength became their undoing. The Gunners conceded from a corner just seconds after almost being caught by a clever kick-off routine, with captain Robert Andrich nodding in unmarked at the back post. This marked the first time Arsenal had trailed in this season's competition.

Before the match, Arsenal had conceded only 11 goals from set-pieces in all competitions, level with Manchester City. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted showing his team three clips of Leverkusen's kick-off routines but acknowledged they weren't prepared when it mattered. The German side exploited Arsenal's weakness with precision, highlighting how even the best teams can be vulnerable to well-drilled opposition tactics.

Kai Havertz, the former Leverkusen star sold to Chelsea for £71m in 2020, came off the bench to convert a late penalty after Noni Madueke was fouled. The equalizer salvaged a draw for Arsenal, who remain favorites to progress to the quarter-finals. Despite the disappointing performance, Arteta praised his team's composure after going behind and expressed confidence in improving for the return leg at Emirates Stadium.