by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Kai Havertz marked an emotional return to Bayer Leverkusen by scoring a late equalizer in Arsenal's 1-1 draw on Wednesday in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16.
The 26-year-old Germany international was a familiar presence all over the stadium of his former club, warmly embraced by former teammates and staff and even visiting Leverkusen's dressing room after the match.
Havertz, who came through the Leverkusen ranks and spent a decade with the club from 2010 to 2020, was welcomed like a returning family member despite denying the Bundesliga side a valuable first-leg lead with an 89th-minute penalty.
"We would have loved to keep him," Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said with a smile.
Rolfes said Havertz's connection to the club remains strong.
"It was great to see him, to see his development. He won the Champions League [with Chelsea in 2021] but stayed grounded," he said.
Leverkusen officials and supporters continued to praise Havertz even after his goal canceled out Robert Andrich's opener and prevented the German side from taking a surprise advantage over the Premier League leaders into the second leg.
"You could see his deep roots in Leverkusen in the way our supporters welcomed him," a club official said, as several banners among the home fans paid tribute to the former striker.
The goal also underlined Havertz's encouraging return to form after an injury-hit spell, including the serious knee problem he suffered last summer.
That will also be welcome news for Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, who is still shaping his attacking options ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
With Germany short of experienced central strikers, Havertz's recovery and improving fitness could ease some of those concerns. The forward's return to form is a boost for Nagelsmann as he builds toward the tournament.
For Leverkusen, the draw kept alive hopes of an upset in next week's second leg in London.
Andrich said the performance had given Bayer belief.
"The late draw feels a bit like losing something, but we believe in our chances in the second leg," he said.
After putting Leverkusen ahead, the midfielder said the team had taken confidence from matching one of Europe's strongest sides.
"We played on eye level with one of Europe's best sides," Andrich said.
Leverkusen may be backing Havertz's return to top form for Germany, but they would prefer not to see him celebrating again next Tuesday. ■
