Grimaldo saves Leverkusen late in a frantic 2-2 draw with Newcastle
BayArena held its breath. Then Alejandro Grimaldo struck. In the 88th minute, the fit-again fullback met a skidding cross and buried a calm finish. Leverkusen roared, the bench sprinted, and a tense Champions League night ended level at 2-2.
Newcastle had the win in their grasp. They led deep into the second half. They had controlled key spells. But Leverkusen refused to fold. The point keeps their path open, and it tells a clear story about depth, belief, and the value of a star who returns right on time. [IMAGE_1]
How the drama unfolded
Leverkusen started with intent. They pressed high and forced mistakes. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute, and it came from a Newcastle boot. Bruno Guimarães stooped to clear a near-post ball and sliced it into his own net. The stadium buzzed. It felt like a platform.
Newcastle stayed calm. They worked the ball through midfield and created lanes for runners. Early in the second half, they got their reward. Anthony Gordon drew contact in the box, then stroked home the penalty in the 51st minute. It was ice cold from the spot.
Leverkusen wobbled, and Newcastle struck again. In the 74th minute, Gordon again made the key play, sliding a pass across the area. Lewis Miley arrived in stride and guided in his first Champions League goal. Clean technique. Big moment.
Then came the push. Leverkusen widened the pitch and sent wave after wave. Newcastle had numbers back but could not kill the game. In the 88th minute, Grimaldo ghosted into the pocket at the back post. One touch, one finish, and the BayArena shook.
Key scorers: Grimaldo 88, Guimarães own goal 13. Gordon 51, Miley 74.
Hjulmand’s tweaks, Grimaldo’s edge
Kasper Hjulmand did not chase chaos. He moved Grimaldo higher in the final 20 minutes and shifted the midfield shape to free the left side. That change held Newcastle deep and opened the switch to the far channel. It also brought Florian Wirtz into better receiving spots between the lines.
Grimaldo, just back from injury, read it all like a veteran. He drifted inside to combine and then burst wide late. His timing on the equaliser was perfect. His presence alone changed the rhythm. That is star quality, and it arrived right when Leverkusen needed it.
Watch Grimaldo’s off-ball runs. He starts narrow to draw a marker, then breaks wide into space for the final action.
Newcastle’s plan had merit. Eddie Howe’s side pressed in moments, then collapsed into a compact block. They forced Leverkusen into hopeful crosses for long stretches. Their problem came late. Fatigue set in, and the back line lost track of runners. The penalty they won showed their direct threat. The goals they conceded showed the fragility that still lingers.
The numbers behind the balance
This was not a blowout. It was a duel of small margins.
- Possession leaned Newcastle, but only slightly.
- Both teams produced three shots on target.
- Leverkusen earned more corners, five to two.
- Passing accuracy was tight, with Newcastle a shade cleaner.
The stat sheet says even. The eye test says the same. Newcastle were better for half an hour. Leverkusen finished stronger and earned their point the hard way.
Depth on display, from U19s to the first team
The story started earlier in the day. Leverkusen’s U19s beat Newcastle’s U19s 2-1 to reach the UEFA Youth League last 16. Montrell Culbreath scored, Ferdinand Pohl added the winner, and the academy took a proud step forward. That win mattered inside the club. It set a tone.
By night, the senior side matched that spirit. They went ahead, fell behind, then fought back. The message is clear. Leverkusen are building layers, with youth feeding the core and leaders like Grimaldo lifting the ceiling. That is how sustained contenders are made. [IMAGE_2]
Club depth is not a slogan. It is U19s stepping up at noon, and veterans rescuing points under the lights.
What this means in Group F
The draw tightens everything. Newcastle stay a point ahead, which gives them a small cushion. Leverkusen are still in the mix, with a playoff route a live possibility if results around them tighten again. Nothing is settled, and goal difference may still bite someone before this is over.
Hjulmand can live with the late rescue. It rewards belief and keeps momentum in the room. Howe will love the attacking moments from Gordon and Miley, but he knows a late concession like that hurts. In Europe, details decide nights like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who scored in Leverkusen vs Newcastle?
A: Grimaldo equalised in the 88th minute. Leverkusen also led early through a Bruno Guimarães own goal in the 13th. Newcastle goals came from Anthony Gordon, a 51st minute penalty, and Lewis Miley in the 74th.
Q: Why was Grimaldo’s goal so important?
A: It rescued a point late, kept Leverkusen’s qualification hopes alive, and highlighted his instant impact after injury.
Q: How did the game flow statistically?
A: Newcastle had a slight edge in possession and passing accuracy. Both sides had three shots on target. Leverkusen had more corners.
Q: What happened in the U19 match?
A: Leverkusen’s U19s beat Newcastle’s U19s 2-1 to reach the Youth League last 16, with goals from Montrell Culbreath and Ferdinand Pohl.
Q: What are the big takeaways for each team?
A: Leverkusen showed resilience and depth. Newcastle showed attacking punch, but late defensive lapses remain a concern.
Conclusion
Leverkusen survived, and they did it with nerve and know-how. Newcastle left with a point that could still prove valuable. On a night when youth won and a returning star delivered, the message was simple. Depth matters, and belief travels. Football nights in Europe rarely shout louder than this one.
