Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal LIVE
A late Kai Havertz penalty ensured Arsenal avoided defeat for first time in the Champions League this season against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday. The Gunners arrived in Leverkusen for their last-16 first leg having won all eight games in the league phase to top the group and earn, arguably, a favourable path in the knockout phase draw.
However, there will be work for Arsenal to do in next week’s second leg at the Emirates Stadium as they must win in north London to ensure progression to the quarter-final against either Bodo/Glimt or Sporting CP. Leverkusen captain Robert Andrich scored the first goal of the last-16 tie a minute into the second half, peeling away at the back post to head home a corner.
Though with time running out Havertz cooly dispatched his penalty, against his former club, after Noni Madueke had been fouled to ensure the Gunners remain unbeaten in this season’s competition - even if their perfect record has come to an end. Follow the game back below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the ground!
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal highlights
- GOAL! Kai Havertz equalises from the penalty spot
- GOAL! Andrich heads Leverkusen in front right at start of second half
FULL-TIME
19:38 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
19:36 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+2 min: Corner for Arsenal, could they win it?
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal
19:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Into three minutes of stoppage time.
GOAL! Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 Arsenal | Kai Havertz ‘89
19:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne89 min: ARSENAL EQUALISE!
Kai Havertz steps up and squeezes home the penalty. Muted celebration from the former Bayer Leverkusen man.
Matt Verri at BayArena
19:31 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFrom most angles it looked a bit of a dive, but there is one that shows Tillman caught the top of Madueke's foot. Just about enough there to keep the penalty decision.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne87 min: That did look rather soft but the decision stands after a VAR check.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: PENALTY FOR ARSENAL!
Noni Madueke drives into the box and is brought down by Malik Tillman.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne84 min: CHANCE!
Martinelli does well to dig out a cross but Timber can’t keep his header down.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: More changes for both teams.
Hofmann and Fernandez replace Palacios and Terrier for Levekusen.
Eze off, Jesus on for Arsenal.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: So frustrating by Arsenal. There seems to be a refusal to put the ball into the box unless there’s a really clear opening. They do win a free-kick though and Rice is standing over the ball as Jesus prepares to come on.
Delivery is decent but the ball drops kindly for Leverkusen and they clear their lines.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne77 min: Really good centre-forward play from Kofane and he creates space for a shot only for Garcia to pinch the ball off his toes and send an effort well over the bar.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:17 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne74 min: Arsenal with plenty of the ball in front of the Leverkusen defence. Martinelli gets down the left and stands up a cross but it’s too high for Gyokeres.
Changes for both sides now as Gyokeres makes way for Havertz and Tillman is on for Maza.
Matt Verri at BayArena
19:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal just don't look like doing anything here. Leverkusen much the better team and you wonder if Arteta might start to just think 1-0 isn't a terrible result heading into the home leg, rather than risking further damage
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne69 min: End-to-end this game. Madueke with a poor cross after a powerful run through the Leverkusen midfield. Zubimendi is then booked for a foul on Maza, looked liked the Arsenal midfielder had won the ball cleanly.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:09 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Raya comes a long way off his line to cut out a pass to Kofane who would have been bearing down on goal otherwise. There is a cheeky attempt to lob the Arsenal keeper, but not enough power on the shot.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:06 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Yellow card for Palacios for a strong tackle that floored Zubimendi. Arsenal just turning it up a notch in search of an equaliser.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne61 min: Madueke straight into the action at both ends. First he gets back to stop Grimaldo from sending in a cross, then drives at the Leverkusen defence, combining with Eze to force a corner which is eventually cleared.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:03 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne59 min: Can Arsenal hit back here with a set-piece of their own? No is the answer as Leverkusen deal with Rice’s floated cross.
Change for the Gunners as Saka is replaced by Madueke.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
19:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne58 min: Better from Arsenal as Martinelli takes on Poku on the outside and ends up winning a free-kick as well as ensuring the Leverkusen attacker is booked.
Looked a sore on for the Brazilian.
Matt Verri at BayArena
19:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSaka has been miles off the pace tonight. Arsenal keep getting the ball to him and he just keeps losing it. He's the captain and the man they often turn to, but he could have no complaints if Arteta hooked him off.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
18:58 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: Still no real urgency from Arsenal as Martinelli delays a shot and is forced back before another attack breaks down with Saka on the opposite flank.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal
18:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne51 min: Arsenal look shell-shocked. They certainly weren’t expecting such a fast start to the second half by Leverkusen and now they trail. Wonder what the response will be like because the hosts are growing in confidence.
Matt Verri at BayArena
18:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJover can write that one down for his own notebook. Eze blocked off at the back post, creates the space for Andrich and he heads in at the near post.
Arsenal got at straight from kick-off, shocking start to the half.
GOAL! Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 Arsenal | Robert Andrich ‘47
18:51 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: LEVERKUSEN LEAD!
Arsenal have not made a good start to the second half, from the resulting corner Andrich is free at the back post and makes no mistake from close range. Raya had no chance.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne46 min: Superb save right at the start of the second half from David Raya to deny Terrier.
KICK-OFF!
18:48 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal highlights
18:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGabriel Martinelli has a superb scoring record in the Champions League this season and was so close to breaking the deadlock against Bayer Leverkusen.
Martinelli hits the crossbar early on against Leverkusen 👀@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/sbRk0ypCEd
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 11, 2026
Fan reaction: Kofane catching the eye
18:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneKofane has given Gabriel and Saliba a really tough time, I’ve been impressed
— Adika (@Adikastakes) March 11, 2026
Fan thoughts: Arsenal not at their best
18:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNeed everyone to raise their levels in the second half because this lethargic play isn’t it.
— POLAR (@deejaypolar) March 11, 2026
Don’t expect our wingers to get any change out of their wingbacks and midfielders coming over to cover, the ball needs to move drastically quicker. #BAYARS #arsenal
Fan reaction: Saka struggling
18:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSaka isn't playing well at all#BAYARS
— wizzard (@Sunwizking18) March 11, 2026
HALF-TIME
18:33 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere goes the whistle and it’s goalless at the break.
Gabriel Martinelli hitting the post is the closest Arsenal have come to scoring while Christian Kofane is proving a handful for Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Into two minutes of stoppage time as Saka, once again, is crowded out as he attempts to bring Arsenal forward on the counter attack. At the other end, Maza drags a shot wide.
Matt Verri at BayArena
18:29 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneZubimendi is turning back on the ball far too often. There's being composed and assured and then there's being far too passive. He's been the latter so far.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Arsenal’s final ball, consistently, this half has let them down. Martinelli the latest culprit as he attempts a cross with the outside of his boot which is dealt with comfortably.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne40 min: Grimaldo has done OK against Saka so far, but dives in to concede a free-kick but Arsenal fail to generate a goalscoring opportunity despite, twice, nicking the ball of Leverkusen players in promising positions.
Matt Verri at BayArena
18:23 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGyokeres is making good runs and getting his body where it should be, but the technical quality has been really poor again.
Twice in a few minutes he's just had to lay the ball off for a team-mate and he's passed it straight out both times.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne37 min: Gyokeres, twice in quick succession, has made a mess when the ball has been played into him. Squandering possession so cheaply.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne35 min: Fairly even so far, both teams with three attempts each and one on target.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: Saliba nearly releases Gyokeres with a ball right through the heart of the Leverkusen defence, but Andrich makes a vital interception. Break in play after Terrier was caught by Gabriel’s follow through as the Arsenal defender makes a clearance.
Matt Verri at BayArena
18:17 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt's been a poor ten minutes or so from Arsenal. Too safe on the ball, particularly on the counter, and they've sat back out of possession to allow Leverkusen to grow in confidence. Need to liven up.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Leverkusen defending very well when asked to do so and in Kofane they have a trusted out ball which is helping them to sustain their attacks.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Martinelli fails to take in a pass from Eze and, out of frustration, pulls back Palacios and earns himself a yellow card.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:11 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne25 min: Half chance for Arsenal after Martinelli and Gyokeres combine. The on-loan Leverkusen defender's effort is well held by Blaswich. At the other end, Saliba is penalised for a foul on Kofane.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:07 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Kofane is giving Gabriel a torrid time here. Lovely spin from the youngster to get away from the Arsenal defender, he then lays the ball off for Quansah who sees his effort bravely blocked by Gabriel.
Matt Verri at BayArena
18:06 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere's an example of the space Arsenal don't get in the Premier League. Raya rolls it out and Saka can run unchallenged into the Leverkusen half. Eze with a lovely dummy and Martinelli should score. Best opening of the match for the Gunners
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: Risky from Leverkusen playing out from the back but they evade the Arsenal press but the attack fizzles out and then at the other end Martinelli smacks an effort against the post.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:01 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: Maza fires over after Leverkusen break at pace and Kofane lays the ball off for the attacking midfielder.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne14 min: Kofane proving why he is so highly-rated by Leverkusen as he nearly robs Gabriel of the ball but Arsenal get enough defenders back to cover.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
17:57 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne11 min: Loads of possession for Arsenal, feel like they have kept the ball for at least two minutes. But it’s all in front of Leverkusen, though Saka tricks his way past Grimaldo down the left but his final ball is poor.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
17:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Arsenal sweep forward at pace, Martinelli plays in Saka but the Gunners captain can’t make the most of what was a promising situation. Very open feel to this game early on.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
17:53 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne7 min: Nice move from Leverkusen and Kofane drops off to find a bit of space but he shoots straight at Raya.
Matt Verri at BayArena
17:51 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd there's a decent argument he should have survived only another two minutes. Again Gyokeres is far too strong for him, this time Andrich just wipes him out. Referee with a very stern final warning
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Andrich has already been booked and he fouls Martinelli after being dragged out of position. Stern warning from the referee.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne4 min: Not quite sure what Saka was doing with the delivery there. It’s not a great ball in and it sails out for a goal-kick despite the Arsenal players thinking it was a corner.
Matt Verri at BayArena
17:49 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneJust the 88 minutes for Andrich to play on a yellow card then. Great strength from Gyokeres to roll him and effectively get rugby tackled to the ground. Arsenal have looked sharp early on.
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Arsenal
17:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: First yellow card of the game is shown to Leverkusen’s Andrich for bringing down Gyokeres on the edge of the area. Long time for the defender to have to watch his step.
KICK-OFF!
17:46 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAway we go in Germany.
Will Arsenal make it nine wins from nine in the Champions League this season to take an advantage into next week’s second leg, or will Leverkusen spring a surprise?
Matt Verri at BayArena
17:44 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneGood atmosphere here inside the stadium. Leverkusen fans seem to have their own setlist of power ballads they run through ahead of kick-off. That's now just been replaced by a thumping drum.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal live
17:42 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTime to hear the famous Champions League anthem!
HERE WE GO!
17:41 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the BayArena.
Pre-match thoughts
17:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal manager Mikel Arteta: "We are always in the same mindset, to win the game, be as dominant as we can and earn the right to win it."
FA Cup draw
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal will face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The Gunners beat Mansfield in round five and will be heavy favourites to reach another domestic up semi-final.
Click here for the FA Cup quarter-final draw in full!
Kick-off approaching
17:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the BayArena.
Matt Verri at BayArena
17:28 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal's attackers have been going through their shooting drills in the warm-up. We'll have to assume they, and Martinelli in particular, are saving their finishes for when it matters.
The windows to the club shop behind that goal have been peppered more than the net.
Max Dowman sends clear message to Mikel Arteta for tough tests ahead
17:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal had a Champions League winner, a Copa America winner, and an England international among their attacking players on the pitch.
In the unusual formation Mikel Arteta drew up for Arsenal's trip to Mansfield, there was close to £200million worth of talent in forward areas.
And yet for all those of an Arsenal or even a neutral persuasion inside the One Call Stadium or watching on at home, it was a 16-year-old who you were willing to get on the ball.
Max Dowman looked right at home from near enough the first whistle. The 16-year-old's prodigious talent is no secret but here was the latest reminder that he is a player very much for the present and not just the future.
Last time out
17:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt is over 20 years since Arsenal last faced Bayer Leverkusen in a competitive fixture.
Those meetings were such a long time ago that the Champions League ran under a different format with two group stages.
After a 1-1 draw in Germany, the Gunners beat a Leverkusen side that contained the likes of Michael Ballack, Lucio and Dimitar Berbatov 4-1 at Highbury with Dennis Bergkamp scoring the pick of the goals.
Team news reminder
17:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Bayer Leverkusen XI: Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Poku, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Terrier, Maza, Kofane.
Substitutes: Omlin, Lomb, Fernandez, Hofmann, Tillman, Schick, Oermann, Tape, Culbreath.
Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, White, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Salmon, Norgaard, Madueke, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus.
Fan reaction: Arsenal lineup
17:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneYes. Great line up. Now let’s go for that 0-3 win boys 💪🏽❤️🤍
— Bisi Tiamiyu (@OlabisiTiamiyu) March 11, 2026
Fan reaction: Arsenal lineup
17:06 , Tashan Deniran-AlleynePerfect lineup except Gyokeres instead of Havertz
— Jack (@Jack___ee) March 11, 2026
Fan thoughts: Saliba returns
17:03 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneSolid lineup, I’m happy Saliba is back. I expect a win by more than a one-goal margin.
— 13 (@Akvicoc) March 11, 2026
Arsenal changes
17:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIt is TEN changes in total for Arsenal this evening as Gabriel Martinelli is the sole survivor from the FA Cup fifth round win over Mansfield at the weekend.
Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and match-winner Eberechi Eze all came off the bench in the cup tie but start at the BayArena.
Matt Verri at BayArena
16:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneStandard Sport’s Matt Verri is in position for us at the BayArena to deliver his immediate reaction to the Arsenal team news!
🗣"Pretty much as we expected."@MattVerri gives his thoughts on the #AFC team news!
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) March 11, 2026
LIVE: https://t.co/kXpmIJAfoK#LEVARS | #UCL pic.twitter.com/uNpV9gBiJy
Bayer Leverkusen team in full
16:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBayer Leverkusen XI: Blaswich; Quansah, Andrich, Tapsoba; Poku, Palacios, Garcia, Grimaldo; Terrier, Maza, Kofane.
Substitutes: Omlin, Lomb, Fernandez, Hofmann, Tillman, Schick, Oermann, Tape, Culbreath.
Arsenal team in full
16:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Martinelli, Gyokeres.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Ranson, White, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Mosquera, Salmon, Norgaard, Madueke, Dowman, Havertz, Jesus.
CONFIRMED BAYER LEVERKUSEN TEAM NEWS
16:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneLining up for the home side this evening..
Our starters against Arsenal this evening! 🎶🖤❤️#B04ARS pic.twitter.com/utHIley70J
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 11, 2026
Matt Verri at BayArena
16:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNo surprises with that Arsenal lineup. Trossard not fit enough to make the squad so Martinelli gets the chance to add to his six Champions League goals this season.
Good to see White back from injury on the bench.
CONFIRMED ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Arsenal team selected by Mikel Arteta...
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 11, 2026
🔙 Saliba returns
🕰️ Eze keeping things ticking
©️ Saka with the armband
Let's seize the moment, Gunners ✊
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal live - team news imminent
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Bayer Leverkusen results in Champions League so far
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis will be Bayer Leverkusen's 11th Champions League fixture this season by virtue of those two extra games in the knockout play-off.
The German side have been far stronger away from home so far and are unbeaten against English opposition.
Copenhagen 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 PSV
Bayer Leverkusen 2-7 PSG
Benfica 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen
Man City 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen 2-2 Newcastle
Olympiacos 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Villarreal
Champions League knockout phase play-off
Olympiacos 0-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal results in Champions League so far
16:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneEight wins from eight in the league phase for Arsenal this season, conceding just once away from home in the process.
Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 4-0 Atletico Madrid
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
Club Brugge 0-3 Arsenal
Inter Milan 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-2 Kairat
Can Piero Hincapie feature this evening?
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneInterestingly, Piero Hincapie is currently on a season-long loan at Arsenal from Bayer Leverkusen.
Could that complicate matters now the Gunners have drawn the 2023/24 Bundesliga champions?
The short answer is no, much to Mikel Arteta’s relief.
Click here for the full story!
Suspension risks
16:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneChristian Norgaard is the sole Arsenal player in a precarious position with yellow cards ahead of the Champions League last-16 showdown.
If he is booked again tonight, he will miss the return leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.
Leverkusen pair Aleix Garcia and Christian Kofane are in the exact same boat.
Predicted Arsenal XI
16:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal will bring their key players back into the starting lineup for the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
David Raya, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Gabriel were all given the afternoon off completely against the League One side and should return here.
William Saliba has missed the last two matches with an ankle injury but took part in first-team training on Tuesday, suggesting he is in contention to be involved.
Also in that session were Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori, despite both being forced off with minor injuries against Mansfield.
However, Arteta could opt to start Gabriel Martinelli even if Trossard is fit.
Predicted Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli; Gyokeres
Arsenal eye early treble as Mikel Arteta demands statement
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAfter a 14-year wait, Arsenal now find themselves as firm favourites to make it a hat-trick, writes Matt Verri.
Until Mikel Arteta led the Gunners into the Champions League quarter-finals in 2024, Arsenal had not reached that stage of the competition since being thrashed by Barcelona in the 2009-10 season.
Only Bayer Leverkusen stand between Arsenal being quarter-finalists for the third season in a row and Arteta alluded at his pre-match press conference to the change in mentality in his players.
Today's settings
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBayer Leverkusen have won just once at home in the Champions League this season, that came on the final matchday in the league phase against Villarreal.
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal latest match odds
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBayer Leverkusen to win: 5/1
Arsenal to win: 4/9
Draw: 11/4
Head to head (h2h) history and results
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneArsenal are unbeaten in two matches against Bayer Leverkusen, though this is the first meeting between the sides since 2002 in the second group stage. Remember those days?
Bayer Leverkusen wins: 0
Arsenal wins: 1
Draws: 1
Score prediction
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThis Leverkusen side have produced mixed results this season - victory away at Manchester City is in stark contrast to conceding seven at home to Paris Saint-Germain.
Name a full-strength side in Germany and Arsenal should hope for a result closer to the latter.
Arsenal to win, 3-1.
Bayer Leverkusen team news
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneKasper Hjulmand is dealing with a defensive injury headache, with Arthur, Loic Bade and Lucas Vazquez all sidelined.
Jarell Quansah, the former Liverpool centre-back, is expected to start, while Patrik Schick, winger Nathan Tella and goalkeeper Mark Flekken are all now back in training.
Arsenal team news
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWilliam Saliba has been passed fit to face Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, but Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out.
The centre-back missed the wins over Brighton and Mansfield with an ankle injury that was not related to the similar issue he was hampered with earlier in the season.
However, Saliba trained with the Arsenal squad on Tuesday morning and he is expected to make his return in Germany.
There remain question marks over the fitness of both Riccardo Calafiori and Leandro Trossard, who were forced off with injuries in the FA Cup win on Saturday.
The pair did train before the squad flew out to Leverkusen, but Mikel Arteta was typically coy when asked about their availability at his pre-match press conference.
How to watch
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on TNT Sports. Coverage starts at 5pm GMT on TNT Sports 3.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Discovery+ app and website.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri!
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal live
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal!
The Gunners are in Germany this evening for a Champions League last-16 first leg meeting against Leverkusen, hoping to remain on course for an unprecedented quadruple.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5.45pm GMT from the BayArena. Stick with us!
