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DFB Pokal defending champions Bayer Leverkusen had Nathan Tella and a never-before-seen occurrence to thank for their victory over Bayern Munich
Nigeria’s Nathan Tella was the decider as defending champions Bayer Leverkusen knocked Bayern Munich out of the DFB Pokal with a 1-0
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Tella’s entered the game as a 61st-minute substitute and needed only eight minutes to decide the tie with a well taken goal to separate the sides in Bavaria.
The Nigerian star’s goal was not the only talking point from the game that also saw Bayern Munich and Germany legend sent off for the first time in 902 professional matches across club and country.
The win for Bayer Leverkusen sees them book a spot in the quarterfinal with the hopes of retaining their DFB Pokal crown.
How it happened
The game’s turning point came early, as Bayern’s veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer received a straight red card in the 17th minute for a reckless challenge on Jeremie Frimpong outside the box.
Forced to play with ten men, Vincent Kompany’s side faced an uphill battle for the majority of the match against the reigning champions.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bayern Munich matched Leverkusen in chances, with Kingsley Coman going close in the first half but missing the cutting edge of the injured Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala’s usual spark, the Bavarians fell flat.
Tella broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, rising to meet Alejandro Grimaldo’s pinpoint cross to score the eventual match-winner.
Leverkusen’s defence held firm against Bayern Munich’s late surge, sealing their progression to the quarter-finals.
This loss compounds Bayern’s struggles, with questions mounting over their European form and Kompany’s tenure, despite domestic league dominance in the league.
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