Leverkusen Break Newcastle Hearts as Grimaldo Strikes at the Death
Newcastle Start Bright but Fail to Break Through
Newcastle arrived in Germany determined to take control early, and for a while, they did just that. Harvey Barnes forced an early save, Anthony Gordon pressed relentlessly, and the Magpies controlled possession. But Leverkusen’s compact defensive shape made every attacking move a struggle. Slowly, the Bundesliga leaders grew into the match. Malik Tillman and Ernest Poku began drifting into dangerous spaces, and Newcastle’s early momentum evaporated.
A Cruel Own Goal Turns the Tide
Leverkusen struck first in the most frustrating way imaginable. Robert Andrich met Aleix García’s corner and his header bounced off the back of Bruno Guimarães and into the net. Newcastle went from comfortable to trailing in an instant. Malick Thiaw survived what could easily have been a red card when he hauled down Patrik Schick on the break.
A penalty was initially awarded before VAR ruled the foul occurred just outside the box. The resulting free kick flew over the bar, leaving Newcastle lucky to still have eleven men. Aaron Ramsdale kept the deficit at one with key saves from Ibrahim Maza and later from Poku, while Nick Woltemade wasted a huge chance at the other end.
Gordon Sparks the Comeback
Newcastle emerged from halftime with far more aggression.Lewis Hall flashed a ball across the box, and the Magpies finally struck after Mark Flekken’s mistake invited pressure. The Leverkusen keeper allowed Woltemade to close him down and panicked, fouling him for a clear penalty. Gordon stepped up and smashed the spot-kick home with confidence.
Minutes later, Gordon nearly doubled the lead but watched his shot hit the far post. Still, the breakthrough came. Gordon delivered a perfect cross and Lewis Miley rose above Nathan Tella to head Newcastle into a 2–1 lead.
Grimaldo Delivers the Late Gut Punch
Newcastle pushed for a killer third. Jacob Murphy hit the post, and Ramsdale denied Tella.But when chances go missing, there is always a risk. Leverkusen struck with two minutes left.
Ibrahim Maza slipped the ball through, Grimaldo ghosted in behind, and his low finish beat Ramsdale to level the match 2–2. A performance full of energy, fight and chances ended only in frustration. Newcastle were minutes from a massive European win, but instead walked off the pitch knowing they let it slip.
