Bayern Munich were knocked out of the German Cup by reigning champions Bayer Leverkusen after Nathan Tella's second-half goal secured a 1-0 victory on Tuesday. The match was marked by a significant moment as Bayern’s veteran goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, received the first red card of his 866-game career.

The 38-year-old was sent off in the 18th minute for a reckless challenge on Jeremie Frimpong outside the penalty area. Neuer's dismissal brought Israel’s Daniel Peretz onto the pitch for his Bayern debut, 18 months after joining the club.

Despite being a man down and missing the injured Harry Kane, Bayern Munich dominated possession and worked tirelessly to stay in the contest. However, Bayer Leverkusen broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Nathan Tella, introduced just eight minutes earlier for the injured Patrik Schick, headed in Alex Grimaldo’s pinpoint cross.

Bayern had a late chance to equalise, but Michael Olise’s shot in stoppage time narrowly missed the target. Leverkusen held firm, handing Vincent Kompany his first domestic defeat since taking charge of Bayern.

"We were too hectic and tried to move forward too quickly," said Leverkusen captain Jonathan Tah to ARD. "At half-time, we agreed to stay patient — and it worked. I didn’t know Nathan was so good with his head!"

Reflecting on his red card, Neuer admitted, "The sending-off decided the game. It hurt us, and I’m sorry."

Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, who secured an unbeaten league and cup double last season, have progressed to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Bayern, who hold a record 20 German Cup titles, have not advanced beyond the quarter-finals since their 2020 victory over Leverkusen in the final.

Other Results from the German Cup

Elsewhere, Anthony Jung’s stoppage-time goal secured Werder Bremen a 1-0 win over Darmstadt, booking their place in the quarter-finals.

Stuttgart advanced after a dominant 3-0 victory over Regensburg. Enzo Millot opened the scoring with a clever solo goal in the 10th minute, followed by a header from Japanese defender Anrie Chase. Nick Woltemade completed the rout, rounding the goalkeeper to add Stuttgart’s third.

Freiburg, the 2022 runners-up, suffered a shock 3-1 defeat to third-division side Arminia Bielefeld. Freiburg missed an early penalty before Christopher Lannert’s stunning long-range strike put Bielefeld ahead. Julian Kania converted a penalty before half-time to double the lead. Although Michael Gregoritsch pulled one back for Freiburg, Louis Oppie’s late goal sealed the upset.

Wednesday’s Fixtures

Defending champions RB Leipzig, winners in 2022 and 2023, will host five-time champions Eintracht Frankfurt in another highly anticipated clash.

This round of the German Cup has delivered thrilling upsets and drama, keeping fans on edge as the tournament progresses.