Leverkusen Eliminates Bayern from the German Cup After Neuer’s Red Card
Bayer Leverkusen capitalized on Bayern Munich goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer’s red card to secure a narrow 1-0 victory, eliminating the Bavarians from the Round of 16 in the German Cup.
Neuer’s dismissal in the 17th minute became the turning point of the match, paving the way for Leverkusen to continue their title defense. Nigerian substitute Nathan Tella seized the moment, heading the ball into Bayern’s unguarded net shortly after Neuer’s exit, sealing the decisive goal.
The defeat snapped Bayern’s eight-game unbeaten run across all competitions, which included seven wins. Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, have now triumphed over Bayern three times in their last five meetings.
It was also Bayern’s first lose in the local competitions this season, following earlier Champions League defeats to Aston Villa and Barcelona. Furthermore, this marked Leverkusen’s first win at the Allianz Arena since November 2019.
The match’s turning point came when Neuer received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Dutch winger Jeremie Frimpong, who was racing toward goal. Neuer attempted to clear the ball with his head outside the penalty area but collided with Frimpong, leaving the referee with no choice but to send him off. Belgian coach Vincent Kompany, already without injured striker Harry Kane, had to sacrifice Leroy Sané to bring on backup goalkeeper Daniel Peretz.
This was the first red card in Neuer’s illustrious career spanning 866 matches for club and country.
Despite being a man down, Bayern remained threatening in the first half, creating multiple scoring opportunities. However, Tella, who came on to replace the injured Patrik Schick, broke the deadlock eight minutes after entering the match, ensuring Leverkusen’s progression in the competition they have won previously.
Other Results:
Stuttgart bounced back to reach the quarterfinals with a commanding 3-0 win over second-division Regensburg.
Enzo Millot opened the scoring in the 10th minute, followed by goals from Japanese defender Hiroki Ito (19′) and Nick Volltemade (61′).
This victory halted Stuttgart’s recent slump, which included a 5-1 Champions League loss to Red Star Belgrade and a 2-2 Bundesliga draw with Werder Bremen.
Stuttgart, currently ninth in the league and four points behind a Champions League spot, hopes to make the cup final for the first time since finishing as runners-up to Bayern in 2013.
Arminia Bielefeld pulled off a stunning upset, defeating sixth-placed Freiburg 3-1.
After Kosovo international Florent Muslija missed a penalty for Freiburg (18′), Christopher Lannert gave Bielefeld the lead (28′), followed by a penalty from Julian Kania (36′).
Austrian Michael Gregoritsch reduced the goal difference (63′), but Louis Obe sealed the win with a third goal (81′).
This victory marked Arminia Bielefeld’s second over Freiburg in their last four encounters across various competitions, with the other two matches ending in draws.
In a thrilling finish, Werder Bremen triumphed over second-division Darmstadt, with Anthony Jung netting a dramatic last-minute goal in the 90+4th minute.
The quarterfinals will take place in February 2025, with the final scheduled for May 24.
