Manuel Neuer was sent off for the first time in his career as Bayern Munich suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen in the third round of the German Cup on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old Neuer, who has played 124 times for Germany without receiving a red card, was shown a straight red in the 17th minute for a body check on Jeremie Frimpong, who was breaking free on goal after a long pass from Johnathan Tah. Despite protests from Bayern players, Neuer made no attempt to play the ball.
Playing with ten men, Bayern struggled to capitalize on their chances, having created more opportunities in the first half. The team was missing star striker Harry Kane, who is sidelined with a right hamstring injury sustained during a match against Borussia Dortmund over the weekend. Bayern confirmed that Kane will be out “for the time being.”
Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso introduced Patrik Schick in the second half, but the Czech forward was forced to leave the pitch with a left calf injury just 15 minutes later. Nathan Tella replaced Schick in the 61st minute and scored the decisive goal eight minutes later, heading in Álex Grimaldo’s perfectly placed cross.
“The first title of the season is gone, and that hurts,” said Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich.
Alonso, a former Bayern player, has maintained an unbeaten record against his old club, with five wins in five matches as Leverkusen’s coach.
Bayern was eliminated in the second round of the competition last season, marking another disappointing exit. In other matches, Werder Bremen defeated second-division side Darmstadt 1-0, while 2022 finalist Freiburg was eliminated after a 3-1 loss to third-division team Arminia Bielefeld. Stuttgart advanced with a 3-0 victory over Jahn Regensburg.
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