The Magpies fell behind in the opening stages at the BayArena following Bruno Guimarães' own goal as Robert Andrich's close-range header cruelly deflected off the United captain before Anthony Gordon's penalty, the winger's third successful spot-kick in as many games, drew the visitors level shortly after the restart.
Lewis Miley, introduced from the bench, netted his first ever Champions League goal after heading the ball home from Gordon's lofted cross, becoming the club's youngest ever goalscorer in the competition, but despite a valiant fightback from Eddie Howe's side, Grimaldo's late leveller saw the spoils shared in Germany to leave Newcastle two points adrift of the top eight spots.
Harvey Barnes, who celebrated his 28th birthday yesterday, was unable to net his fifth Champions League goal of the 2025/26 season as the Burnley-born winger collected Guimarães' pass and after cutting inside, saw his low drive held by Mark Flekken.
In the 13th minute, Leverkusen took the lead through Guimarães' unfortunate own goal as Andrich connected with Aleix García's corner at the back post before the defensive midfielder's header bounced off the Brazilian inside the six-yard box before finding its way beyond Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
Leverkusen were initially handed a penalty as Malick Thiaw tripped Patrik Schick on the edge of the box after the Czech striker burst through on goal but referee Serdar Gözübüyük opted for a free-kick, brandishing a yellow card to the Düsseldorf-born defender.
Ramsdale produced a key stop to prevent Ibrahim Maza from doubling the hosts' lead as the central midfielder completed a lengthy run before his low shot inside the box was held by the diving goalkeeper, making his first Champions League outing since December 2023.
Nick Woltemade went close to drawing United level as Guimarães' in-swinging corner from the left flank found the Bremen-born striker inside the box but scuffed a close-range effort wide of the left-hand post.
Newcastle continued their pursuit for an equaliser as Tino Livramento's teasing cross from the right flank was inadvertently turned towards goal by Aleix García, forcing Flekken into clawing the ball out for a corner.
Ramsdale produced an excellent save on the stroke of half-time as Jarell Quansah latched onto Malik Tillman's pass inside the box before the England international's powerful drive was crucially tipped over the crossbar by the Stoke-on-Trent-born goalkeeper.
Newcastle began the opening minutes of the restart in positive fashion and were rewarded for their efforts as, in the 51st minute, Gordon equalised from the penalty spot.
After Nick Woltemade managed to win the ball from a hesitant Flekken, the former Brentford goalkeeper bundled the German striker over inside the box before Gordon cooly dispatched from 12 yards, sending Flekken the wrong way in the process.
Gordon went agonisingly close to netting his and United's second goal of the night as the Liverpool-born winger hit the woodwork, driving into the penalty area after Sandro Tonali initially regained possession in a dangerous position before his fierce low drive struck the inside of the right-hand post.
In the 74th minute, Newcastle took the lead through Miley as the Stanley-born midfielder rose from Gordon's excellent cross into the box before guiding a terrific header into the bottom right-hand corner.
Ramsdale produced two saves in quick succession to prevent Leverkusen from equalising in swift fashion, initially pushing away Nathan Tella's goalbound header and after Leverkusen recycled play, Christian Kofane's curling strike was held by the Magpies shot-stopper.
Thiaw went close to extending United's lead as the German centre-back rose from Livramento's dangerous cross but his header was impressively turned around the post by Flekken.
Newcastle hit the post for a second time as Jacob Murphy, another introduced from the bench, crashed an effort from the edge of the box onto the base of the right-hand post.
With the full-time whistle approaching, Newcastle were dealt a gutting blow as Grimaldo levelled for the hosts in the 88th minute, initially carrying out a clever dummy to start a dangerous attacking move before eventually firing the ball beyond a rushing Ramsdale inside the penalty area.
Newcastle United: Aaron Ramsdale, Lewis Hall, Joelinton (Lewis Miley 60), Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon (Jacob Ramsey 90), Harvey Barnes (Jacob Murphy 78), Malick Thiaw, Tino Livramento, Nick Woltemade (Yoane Wissa 90), Dan Burn, Bruno Guimarães (c).
Subs not used: Max Thompson, Adam Harrison, Fabian Schär, Anthony Elanga, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy.
