Bayer Leverkusen delivered a shocking performance against the odds, defeating Bayern Munich 1-0 in a thrilling DFB-Pokal knockout match on Tuesday. Nathan Tella's decisive goal in the second half propelled Leverkusen to the quarterfinals, marking a significant achievement in their German Cup title defense.
The game took an unexpected turn in the 17th minute when Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer received a straight red card, becoming the first dismissal in his illustrious 38-year career. With Bayern reduced to 10 men, the pressure was mounting, but they struggled to convert their chances despite having players like Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka pushing forward.
Leverkusen's coach Xabi Alonso continues his impressive record in the German Cup, having won all nine of his matches in the competition. Defender Jonathan Tah praised the team's strategy, stating, \"It was not our best game with the ball or even with an extra man but we applied our plan.\"
Despite missing key strikers Victor Boniface and Harry Kane, Leverkusen maintained their composure and capitalized on Bayern's challenges. In the end, Nathan Tella's headed goal, assisted by a superb cross from Alex Grimaldo, sealed the victory, sending Leverkusen to the next stage of the tournament.
This defeat marks the first time this season that Bayern has faltered in the league or domestic cup, and they now face a roadblock in their quest for another DFB-Pokal title since their last win in 2020.
