Newcastle United’s late collapse costs them win against Bayer Leverkusen
Newcastle United suffered yet another setback in their Champions League campaign as a last-gasp goal from Alex Grimaldo earned Bayer Leverkusen a 2-2 draw at the BayArena, reports BritPanorama.
The match highlighted a worrying trend for Eddie Howe’s side, who have now dropped points in the closing stages of consecutive matches, following a similar scenario against Tottenham in the Premier League.
After a difficult start, where Bruno Guimaraes scored an own goal in the 13th minute, Newcastle managed to rally in the second half but ultimately failed to secure a much-needed win, leaving them 12th in the competition standings.
Leverkusen goalkeeper Mark Flekken inadvertently gifted Newcastle an equaliser, conceding a penalty after fouling Nick Woltemade. Anthony Gordon converted the penalty in the 51st minute, adding to his impressive form with three successful spot-kicks in as many matches.
Moments later, Newcastle appeared to be on the verge of a comeback when young substitute Lewis Miley scored, capitalising on a Gordon assist to become the club’s youngest scorer in Champions League history.
Still, the late equaliser from Grimaldo served as a harsh reminder of Newcastle’s defensive vulnerabilities. Gordon expressed both praise for his teammate Miley and frustration with the team’s late-game mentality, stating, “Defensively we need to be more tight because we are conceding too many goals late in games.”
The blend of youth and skill showcased by Newcastle’s promising talents like Miley presents a bright spot amid the current struggles. The Magpies must now address their late-game lapses if they hope to navigate the challenges ahead in both the Premier League and Europe.
In an increasingly competitive landscape, this match serves as a reminder that in football, even the most promising leads can disintegrate in the final minutes — a reality that teams striving for greatness must learn to navigate.
