Manuel Neuer was sent off for the first time and Bayern Munich crashed out of the German Cup in the third round with a 1-0 loss at home to defending champion Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday (Dec 3). The 38-year-old Neuer was never before sent off over a long career including 124 games for Germany, but the Bayern captain was shown a straight red card in the 17th minute for taking out Jeremie Frimpong with a body check when the Dutch winger was almost through on goal after a long pass from Johnathan Tah. Bayern’s players protested but there had been no attempt from Neuer to play the ball.
Nathan Tella was on target as German Cup holders Bayer Leverkusen booked their place in the quarter-finals after edging out rivals Bayern Munich.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 17th minute when veteran keeper Manuel Neuer was sent off after he rushed out of his goal and collided with the on-rushing Jeremie Frimpong.
Despite the advantage of the extra man, Leverkusen had to wait until the 69th minute to take the lead through former Burnley and Southampton attacker Tella.
A sumptuous cross into the box from Alex Grimaldo was met first time by Tella and and flew in beyond Bayern's substitute keeper Daniel Peretz.
Vincent Kompany's side, who were without injured top scorer Harry Kane, had their chances, though.
Defender Dayot Upamecano came agonisingly close to levelling, but his header towards the far post drifted wide.
Kingsley Coman rose highest to meet Joshua Kimmich's corner, but could not direct his header on target, while Kim Min-jae also headed weakly wide on the stroke of half-time.
Xabi Alonso has still yet to lose in the German Cup after winning his eighth successive match in the competition as Leverkusen boss, while 20-time winners Bayern have not won the trophy since 2020.
