New Delhi: Bayern Munich’s DFB Pokal campaign came to a sudden end as they lost 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the Round of 16. Manuel Neuer’s early red card left Bayern with ten men for over 75 minutes, and Nathan Tella’s second-half goal sealed their exit. Despite dominating possession, Bayern couldn’t break through Leverkusen’s solid defence.
Bayern started brightly, creating early chances through Alphonso Davies and Kingsley Coman. However, the match took a drastic turn when Neuer was sent off for a reckless challenge on Jeremie Frimpong. This forced an early substitution, with Daniel Peretz coming on for Leroy Sane.
Even with a man down, Bayern pushed forward. Leon Goretzka and Coman came close, but Leverkusen threatened through Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka. Both sides struggled to convert chances, leaving the scoreline goalless at half-time.
HUGE. 😮💨🖤❤️#FCBB04 #DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/73hf0HH9I4
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 3, 2024
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Bayern controlling possession but failing to create clear opportunities. Leverkusen, however, capitalised on their chance when Alejandro Grimaldo delivered a perfect cross for Tella, who headed the ball past Peretz to score the winner.
Bayern desperately searched for an equaliser. Serge Gnabry’s shot was deflected wide, and Dayot Upamecano missed a header. In stoppage time, Michael Olise had the best opportunity, but his shot went narrowly wide. The final whistle confirmed Bayern’s elimination, extending their DFB Cup struggles for another season.
This defeat increases the pressure on Bayern Munich, who haven’t won this competition since 2020. With only the Bundesliga and Champions League left to fight for, questions will be raised about the team’s depth and tactical flexibility under Vincent Kompany.
Bayern’s focus now shifts to the Bundesliga as they face Heidenheim on Saturday, hoping to regain momentum in their pursuit of silverware.
Bayern Munich’s DFB Cup run ended with a 1-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen after Manuel Neuer’s early red card. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
