Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle United: UCL Match Report & Highlights

On: December 11, 2025 8:10 AM

Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle United: UCL Match Report & Highlights

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Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Match Summary

Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United played out a dramatic 2–2 draw at the BayArena. The hosts took an early lead through a fortuitous Bruno Guimarães own goal, but Newcastle fought back in the second half. Anthony Gordon leveled from the spot before substitute Lewis Miley headed the Magpies in front. Just as Newcastle looked set for a massive away win, Alejandro Grimaldo struck late to rescue a point for the German champions.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Final Score

Bayer Leverkusen 2–2 Newcastle United

(HT: 1–0)

Goals:

13’ — Guimarães (OG) (NEW)
51’ — Gordon (NEW)
74’ — Miley (NEW)
88’ — Grimaldo (BAY)

Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Timeline & Events

13’ — ⚽ GOAL! Disaster for Newcastle as Bruno Guimarães slices a clearance into his own net. (1–0)
21’ — 🟨 Card: Malick Thiaw (NEW) is booked for holding.
51’ — ⚽ GOAL! Anthony Gordon smashes home a penalty after Aleix García’s foul. (1–1)
60’ — 🚑 Injury: Joelinton is forced off; Lewis Miley replaces him.
74’ — ⚽ GOAL! Lewis Miley heads in a beautiful cross from Gordon to give Newcastle the lead. (1–2)
82’ — 🟨 Card: Aaron Ramsdale (NEW) booked for time-wasting.
88’ — ⚽ GOAL! Alejandro Grimaldo finishes a fantastic through ball from Ibrahim Maza to equalize. (2–2)
90+5’ — 🏁 FT: The referee blows the final whistle on a thrilling draw.

First Half Analysis

Leverkusen took the lead early thanks to a defensive mix-up from Newcastle, but the visitors grew into the game. Anthony Gordon hit the post and Aaron Ramsdale was called upon to make crucial saves. Despite trailing, Newcastle’s xG threat was evident as they created openings but lacked the final touch.

Second Half Analysis

Newcastle came out fighting. The introduction of Lewis Miley (after Joelinton’s injury) proved decisive, as he scored the go-ahead goal. However, Leverkusen refused to give up. Alejandro Grimaldo‘s late strike saved a point, though Newcastle will feel they did enough to win based on the quality of their chances.

xG Reality Check: Bayer Leverkusen 1.27 | Newcastle United 2.07

Key Match Factors

Resilience: Newcastle recovered from an unlucky own goal to take the lead.
Impact Subs: Lewis Miley came off the bench to score, while Ibrahim Maza assisted the equalizer for Leverkusen.
Goalkeeping Battle: Aaron Ramsdale made 6 saves to keep Newcastle in it, while Flekken made 4 stops.
Creative Force: Anthony Gordon was involved in everything—scoring the penalty and assisting the second goal.

Player of the Match

🏆 Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

A talismanic performance: 1 Goal, 1 Assist, hit the post, and was a constant threat to the Leverkusen defense.

Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Player Ratings

Bayer Leverkusen	Rating	Newcastle United	Rating
Flekken	7.0	Ramsdale	8.0
Quansah	6.5	Livramento	7.0
Andrich	7.0	Thiaw	6.5
Tapsoba	7.0	Burn	7.0
Arthur	6.5	Hall	6.5
Maza	7.5	Tonali	7.0
Garcia	6.0	Guimarães	6.0
Grimaldo	8.0	Joelinton	6.5
Tillman	6.5	Barnes	6.5
Schick	6.0	Woltemade	6.5
Poku	6.5	Gordon (MOTM)	8.5
Subs:		Subs:
Kofane	6.6	Miley	7.5
Tella	6.3	Murphy	6.3

Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle United – Match Stats

Stat	Bayer Leverkusen	Newcastle United
Expected Goals (xG)	1.27	2.07
xG on Target (xGOT)	2.23	2.46
Possession	51%	49%
Total Shots	17	13
Shots on Target	7	5
Big Chances	2	3
Corners	9	6
Passes (Accuracy)	364 (84%)	352 (85%)
Fouls	9	11
Yellow Cards	2	2
Goalkeeper Saves	4	6

Top 5 Performers

Anthony Gordon (NEW): The heartbeat of Newcastle’s attack (1G, 1A).
Alejandro Grimaldo (BAY): Scored the crucial late equalizer.
Aaron Ramsdale (NEW): Made 6 vital saves to deny Leverkusen.
Lewis Miley (NEW): Scored a massive goal off the bench.
Ibrahim Maza (BAY): Provided the brilliant assist for the equalizer.

Underperformers / Weak Links

Bruno Guimarães (NEW): Scored an unlucky own goal and struggled to control the midfield at times.
Patrik Schick (BAY): Failed to make a significant impact before being subbed at halftime.

Substitutions Impact

Lewis Miley (NEW): Replaced the injured Joelinton and scored the goal that nearly won the game. (Rating: 7.5)
Christian Kofane (BAY): Came on at halftime and had a header saved by Ramsdale. (Rating: 6.6)
Nathan Tella (BAY): Added energy but couldn’t find the net. (Rating: 6.3)

Tactical Breakdown

Bayer Leverkusen:

Wing Play: Heavily relied on Grimaldo and Frimpong’s replacements to create width.
Late Pressure: Pushed hard in the final 10 minutes, overwhelming Newcastle’s defense to find the equalizer.

Newcastle United:

Counter-Attack: Gordon and Barnes used their pace to exploit Leverkusen’s high line.
Resilience: Defended deep when needed, with Ramsdale acting as a reliable last line of defense.

What This Result Means

Bayer Leverkusen: Remain competitive in the group but will be disappointed to drop points at home.
Newcastle United: Take a valuable point away from a tough stadium, moving to 10 points in the standings.