Defending Champions Leverkusen Eliminate 10-Man Bayern from German Cup

Nathan Tella, who joined Bayer Leverkusen from Southampton in 2023, scored a goal that helped the reigning German Cup champions secure their spot in the quarter-finals by defeating rivals Bayern Munich. Bayern Munich, playing at home, found themselves with 10 men on the field in the 17th minute after their veteran goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, received a red card for rushing out of his goal and colliding with Jeremie Frimpong. Despite having a numerical advantage, Leverkusen did not manage to score until the 69th minute, when Tella, a forward who previously played for Burnley and Southampton, netted the opening goal. The goal came from a precise cross into the penalty area by Alex Grimaldo, which Tella struck on the first touch, sending it past Bayern’s substitute goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Vincent Kompany’s team, despite the absence of their injured top scorer Harry Kane, created several scoring opportunities. Defender Dayot Upamecano came very close to equalizing, but his header aimed at the far post went wide. Kingsley Coman outjumped others to connect with Joshua Kimmich’s corner kick but failed to direct his header on target, and Kim Min-jae also headed weakly wide just before half-time. Xabi Alonso maintains an undefeated record in the German Cup, having secured his eighth consecutive victory in the competition as Leverkusen’s manager. In contrast, Bayern, who have won the trophy 20 times, have not claimed it since 2020.