Late Grimaldo Strike Secures 2-2 Stalemate between Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle

Key Takeaways:

• Both sides shared the spoils with a 2:2 draw in their sixth round Champions League meeting
• Anthony Gordon registered his fifth Champions League goal of the season for Newcastle United, equalling Alan Shearer’s club record
• Newcastle moved up to 10 points and sit 12th in the table, with Bayer Leverkusen just one point and eight places behind

Match Analysis

Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United delivered a gripping contest that ended in a 2:2 stalemate in their sixth round Champions League fixture. The opening half was largely subdued, but the match exploded into life after the break to the delight of the crowd.

The hosts drew first blood in the 13th minute when Robert Andrich headed on a corner, and the ball ricocheted in off Bruno Guimarães. Bayer then appealed for a penalty midway through the first period, but after a VAR review, the referee allowed play to continue. Each team fashioned a significant chance before the interval, but neither side could alter the scoreline before half-time.

Points shared tonight. We keep the fight going. 👊💫#B04NEW pic.twitter.com/R14sedfUwO

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 10, 2025

Momentum Shifts and Notable Performances

Newcastle began the second half with renewed determination, putting the home defence under pressure. Lewis Hall threatened with a powerful effort and, moments later, Mark Flekken conceded a penalty after a foul. Anthony Gordon made no mistake from the spot in the 51st minute, levelling the scores. With this goal, Gordon became just the second Newcastle United player to hit five goals in a single Champions League season, joining Alan Shearer in the record books. He struck the post ten minutes later but continued to trouble Bayer’s backline.

On 74 minutes, Gordon crafted a brilliant cross from the wing and Lewis Miley finished clinically, completing a turnaround for the visitors. As the match approached its closing stages, Leverkusen pressed for an equaliser and created several opportunities, only to be denied by a series of crucial saves from Aaron Ramsdale.

Persistence eventually paid off for Leverkusen when, in the 88th minute, Ibrahim Maza produced a precise pass to the onrushing Alejandro Grimaldo, who converted to secure the draw for the home side.

Current Standings

The result represented Bayer Leverkusen’s third consecutive unbeaten match in the Champions League, while Newcastle have firmly set their sights on the knockout stages after moving to 10 points. Leverkusen remain in close pursuit, now just one point and eight places behind their English opponents in the group rankings.