Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2 and match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players

We asked Davey Hat-Trick to give us his match ratings and player comments after Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2.

In hindsight, I’ll accept the draw and the point, but we could have a lot more. We could also have had a lot less, as this was a good example of a game of two halves.

In the first half, Leverkusen were content to let us have the ball and hit us on the break when we gave it back to them, something we did with monotonous regularity.

We were pedestrian in attack, and pedestrian in defence. When Leverkusen broke, they ripped through us more than once.

In truth, they could have gone into half-time two or three goals ahead. They did score from a poorly-defended corner, and we were in inch away from giving them a penalty.

The second half was a different story. Newcastle played on the front foot, with energy and purpose. We scored two, hit the post twice, and should have seen the game over the line.

But Leverkusen came back into it and had us pinned back for the last minutes of the game, and this season, Newcastle have not been good at defending in those circumstances.

Right now, we are not a side that can shut up shop, and – sure enough – we didn’t. Leverkusen cut through us one last time and got an equaliser in the last few minutes.

Overall, this was a mixed bag from Newcastle – some poor play, some good play, some bad luck and some good luck. As I said, I’ll take the point, and our position (12th) in the CL table. But if we’d held on to our lead, we’d be sixth and in with an excellent chance of automatic qualification. However, if we batter the mackems on Sunday, all will be forgiven.

Aaron Ramsdale 7

Couldn’t have done much about either of Leverkusen’s goals and made three crucial saves. Did OK.

Tino Livramento 6.5

Tino had a decent game in defence and attack.

I can’t think of any highlights, nor can I think of any howlers.

Malick Thiaw 6

A poor first half, in which he was millimetres away from conceding a penalty and was caught out by the Leverkusen counter-attack more than once.

A much better second half, in which he looked more confident and came close to scoring twice. Looked a little flat-footed for Leverkusen’s second.

Dan Burn 6

Looked particularly vulnerable when Leverkusen were cutting through us but battled well all night.

Lost his bearings for Leverkusen’s second.

Lewis Hall 7

A good display from Lewis – worked well with Gordon on the left-hand side.

Not much went past him in defence and he looked dangerous in attack.

Bruno Guimaraes 6

Not his best game – I thought his energy levels looked depleted, especially in the first half.

Looked better in the second. Tried hard, as ever, but not quite at it for me.

No blame should be attached to him for the own goal.

Sandro Tonali 5.5

A disappointing display, in truth. Weak defending for Leverkusen’s opener, and was anonymous for large parts of the game. A couple of decent moments, but not enough

Joelinton 5

The last couple of times I’ve rated Joelinton I’ve made the same observation, and I’d make it again about this game; he seems to have sacrificed his usual aggressive style for something more controlled.

It’s not him, it doesn’t work, and I don’t like it. His form has definitely dipped.

Harvey Barnes 6

The definition of an average performance in my book.

Worked hard, was in the right place when he needed to be, and didn’t make any bad mistakes.

But nor did he threaten the Leverkusen goal and I don’t recall him getting a decent cross in all night.

Nick Woltemade 6.5

Almost scored a good goal and won us the penalty for our equaliser.

Had a decent game overall, without hitting the heights.

Anthony Gordon 8

Our best player on the night – this was arguably his best display of the season.

Scored a vital penalty, got in a great cross for our second, and saw a shot cannon off the inside of the post.

He’s not been at his best this season but this was a welcome return to form.

SUBS

Lewis Miley 7

It won’t be long before Lewis is starting on a regular basis.

He is so composed for a young ‘un and keeps things simple. I mean that as a compliment.

Scored our second with a determined header. A breath of fresh air when he came on.

Jacob Murphy 5.5

Played well enough for the brief time he was on.

Put one excellent cross to the back post and hit the inside of the post.

Jacob Ramsey N/A

Not on long enough to judge.

Yoane Wissa N/A

Not on long enough to judge.

Bayer Leverkusen 2 Newcastle 2 – Wednesday 10 December 2025 8pm

Match Stats

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Gordon 51 pen, Miley 74

Leverkusen:

Bruno OG 13, Grimaldo 88

Possession was Newcastle 49% Leverkusen 51%

Total shots were Newcastle 13 Leverkusen 17

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Leverkusen 7

Corners were Newcastle 6 Leverkusen 9

Touches in the opposition box Newcastle 32 Leverkusen 28

Newcastle team v Leverkusen:

Ramsdale, Livramento, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton (Miley 60), Bruno, Gordon (Ramsey 92), Barnes (Jacob Murphy 78), Woltemade (Wissa 93)

Unused subs:

Thompson, Harrison, Schar, Alex Murphy, Willock, Elanga