Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer disputed his first career red card after the German leaders suffered their first home defeat of the season, losing at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16 of the DFB Cup.
Captain Neuer was sent off in the 17th minute at the Allianz Arena after breaking out of the penalty area and bringing down Jeremie Frimpong.
“Dismissal hurts, of course,” Neuer told Sky Kickerafter seeing red for the first time in 864 club and international matches.
“It’s not a really active situation where I’m trying to hurt him. But the thing is, I don’t really touch the ball. It falls on me… but after I lose the ball, (the challenge is) OK for me. In the end, you are powerless and have to accept what is decided.”
Manuel Neuer is sent off! 🥇
Bayern goalkeeper comes out of his box and runs into Jeremy Fribong 😱 pic.twitter.com/EBzdZV4WUy
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) December 3, 2024
New “very deep” – Nagelsmann
Bayern have sacrificed striker Leroy Sane to bring in Israel goalkeeper Daniel Peretz after missing out on Rotten and Germany legend Neuer.
Julian Nagelsmann felt Neuer’s punishment was justified. “It’s always difficult for a goalkeeper,” the Germany coach told ARD.
Christmas came early! 😏🎄 pic.twitter.com/XHvj7rWpe2
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 3, 2024
“He starts from a position that’s a little too deep – if he stays deep, he can have a brutal one-on-one, which isn’t pleasant either.
“At the end of the day, it’s always a millimeter decision. Control of space is Manu’s great strength. in this case, it might be better to wait. But hindsight is always 20/20.”
🗣️ Xabi after tonight’s Pokal victory in Munich! #FCBB04 #DFBPokal pic.twitter.com/kvH00243Q8
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) December 3, 2024
Harry Kane injury
Vincent Kompany’s side were already without 20-goal top scorer Harry Kane with a hamstring injury, but had more possession and efforts en route to elimination thanks to Nathan Tella’s header.
Midfielder Tella, who scored 19 times for English Championship side Burnley under Kompany in 2022/23, was converted by Grimaldo’s delivery as Leverkusen sought revenge on Bayern for the opening 12 league games.
Defending champions Leverkusen went unbeaten in Germany last season but are seven points behind Bayern and three behind second-placed Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bayern return to Bundesliga action at home to third-placed Heidenheim on Saturday (2.30pm GMT), when Leverkusen also host fourth-bottom St. Pauli.
