🇩🇪 Leverkusen dump 10-man Bayern out of DFB Pokal early

Bayern Munich suffered their first true setback of the 2024-25 season on Tuesday after they fell 1-0 to Bayer Leverkusen in the DFB Pokal Round of 16.

Scorer: Tella '69. Red: Neuer 17'.

A second-half strike by substitute Nathan Tella proved decisive on the scoresheet as Leverkusen look to build on their incredible 2023-24 campaign under Xabi Alonso. But perhaps the result was influenced even more so by the unthinkable.

Club icon and Germany goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer received his marching orders just 17 minutes into proceedings at the Allianz Arena after racing outside his area and bulldozing Jeremie Frimpong.

This forced Vincent Kompany's men to face a talented Leverkusen side a man down in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Despite the disadvantage, Bayern remained dominant in possession while ultimately creating an equal amount of chances as the Bundesliga holders, surely leaving fans to wonder what could have been if Neuer remained on the pitch.

Tella eventually split two defenders and raced toward the goal before he jumped the highest to meet an inch-perfect cross from Alejandro Grimaldo for 1-0.

With Harry Kane out due to injury, Jamal Musiala unable to pull off his usual magic, and other big-name stars failing to deliver with just two efforts on target, the elimination is a massive learning moment for the hosts.

In a season where Bayern appear to be on course to regain their league crown, failing to make a deeper DFB Pokal run could already have Kompany under the microscope after the club also sits outside automatic qualification in the Champions League.

📸 Alexander Hassenstein - 2024 Getty Images