Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has expressed disappointment with the penalty decision that allowed Arsenal to score a late equalizer in their Champions League Round of 16 first leg clash on Wednesday.
The 2024 Europa League finalist had taken the lead in the clash through Robert Andrich earlier in the second half and were on their way to victory.
However, the visitors were awarded a controversial penalty kick late in the game after a foul by Malik Tillman on Noni Madueke.
Kai Havertz stepped up and scored the resulting spot-kick against his boyhood club to give the English side the advantage going into next week’s second leg.
Speaking after the tie, Hjulmand was not happy with the decision, but is confident in his side’s ability of progressing from the tie.
“I have mixed feelings”, Hjulmand revealed.
“It was a very good performance against a top team – of course we are disappointed with the last scene. A 1-0 would obviously have been much better than a 1-1. I don’t see a penalty there, but that’s how it is.
“We are going to London with hope. I believe there is a lot of pressure on Arsenal. We must and we can deliver another strong performance.”
Arsenal were the favourites to progress from the clash, but it was Leverkusen who took the lead inside a minute of the restart as Andrich headed home from a corner kick.
The Gunners created very little and the game was heading towards a win for the hosts until Madueke won a penalty, which Havertz scored in the 89th minute.
“We have to seize the opportunity and are looking forward to Tuesday. But for now, Bayern is what counts”, Hjulmand added.
The return leg will hold at the Emirates next week, with Arsenal in pole position to advance to the last eight.
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