MUNICH — In a surprising turn of events, Bayern Munich exited the German Cup in the third round after a narrow 1-0 defeat at home to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen. This match marked a significant moment as it was the first time in his extensive career that Manuel Neuer received a red card. The Bayern captain, known for his discipline across 124 international appearances for Germany, was dismissed in the 17th minute for a body check on Jeremie Frimpong, denying the Leverkusen winger a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Despite Bayern’s attempts to rally, they struggled to find their rhythm, particularly in the absence of star striker Harry Kane, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Borussia Dortmund. Leverkusen, displaying resilience and tactical expertise, took their chance in the second half when Nathan Tella scored the only goal of the match, capitalizing on a superb cross from Álex Grimaldo.
Reflecting on the defeat, Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich acknowledged the disappointment, stating, “The first title of the season is gone, and that hurts.” Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen’s coach and former Bayern player, solidified his successful record against his old club with this victory.
In other cup matches, Werder Bremen edged past second-division side Darmstadt 1-0, while last year’s finalists Freiburg faced an unexpected exit after losing 3-1 to third-division Arminia Bielefeld. Stuttgart also advanced confidently with a 3-0 win at Jahn Regensburg.
While this setback is challenging for Bayern, it offers an opportunity for the team to reassess their strategy and regroup as they continue their season. The unexpected departures from the cup create space for fresh talent to emerge, potentially igniting new energy in their future matches.
This cup upset showcases the unpredictable nature of football and emphasizes that every match is an opportunity for teams to rise to the occasion against established giants.