Newcastle United's Champions League hopes suffered a blow as they conceded a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena on Wednesday. Alejandro Grimaldo's 88th-minute strike cancelled out what appeared to be a hard-fought victory for the Magpies, leaving them with a sense of frustration as they look towards their upcoming derby match against Sunderland on Sunday.
The game began with Newcastle dominating the early stages, pressing high and attempting to penetrate Leverkusen's well-organised defence. Harvey Barnes, who has been in fine form in the competition, tested Leverkusen keeper Mark Flekken with a long-range effort in the 6th minute. However, despite Newcastle's early dominance, it was the home side who took the lead in the 13th minute. Robert Andrich headed an Aleix Garcia corner, which deflected off Bruno Guimaraes and into the net, leaving Aaron Ramsdale helpless.
Newcastle responded well to the setback, with Barnes forcing a save from Flekken. Leverkusen, however, grew into the game, with Malik Tillman and Ernest Poku supporting striker Patrik Schick. A key moment arrived in the 21st minute when Malick Thiaw hauled down Schick, who was clear on goal. The referee initially awarded a penalty but then changed the decision to a free-kick just outside the box, cautioning Thiaw. Grimaldo wasted the resulting free-kick, sending it over the bar. Ramsdale then had to save from Ibrahim Maza as Leverkusen maintained pressure.
Newcastle were awarded a penalty in the 67th minute when Anthony Gordon was brought down in the box. Gordon stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, levelling the score at 1-1. Then, in the 73rd minute, substitute Lewis Miley, who came on to the pitch, headed home to put Newcastle ahead.
Despite Newcastle's comeback, Leverkusen continued to push for an equaliser. Their pressure finally paid off in the 88th minute when Grimaldo found space and fired a shot past Ramsdale, rescuing a point for the home side. The match ended 2-2. This draw extends Newcastle's winless streak against German teams to four games.
