Bayer Leverkusen defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 at the Allianz Arena to advance to the DFB Pokal quarterfinals. The result ended Bayern's eight-game unbeaten streak this season and highlighted the Lions' tactical organization as they capitalized on a numerical advantage from the 17th minute after Manuel Neuer was sent off.
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Bayern, without Harry Kane, battled hard but couldn't overcome an efficient and determined opponent. Xabi Alonso's team now waits for the draw to find out their fate.
A game that turned early
Bayern started in command, maintaining possession and dictating the pace even without their main offensive reference, Harry Kane. Kingsley Coman was the first to try but saw Matej Kovár make an easy save. On the other side, Florian Wirtz had a dangerous chance but couldn't finish.
Everything was going according to plan for the Bavarians until that decisive moment in the 17th minute. Jérémie Frimpong broke towards the goal and was stopped by Manuel Neuer outside the box. The goalkeeper was sent off with the first red card of his career, leaving Bayern a man down and with a large hole in their defensive system.
Substitute Daniel Peretz took over and held the tie until halftime, but Bayern had clearly lost the organization they showed in the opening minutes.
The second half brings the decisive goal
With the numerical advantage, Leverkusen returned more dangerous in the second half. Frimpong and Wirtz continued exploiting spaces, forcing Peretz to make good saves.
The goal finally came in the 69th minute, in a well-worked play down the left. Grimaldo delivered a precise cross, and Nathan Tella was free in the box to head the ball into the back of the net. The goal, Tella's first of the season, was enough to break Bayern's resistance and put Leverkusen ahead.
Even with offensive changes by Vincent Kompany, including Serge Gnabry, Bayern were unable to break down the well-placed Leverkusen defense. Jonathan Tah was perfect. He cut out and also blocked Bavarian attempts.
An important moment for Leverkusen
Leverkusen proved more than the technical: they showed cool, calmness, and game management. Even against a Bayern that pressured until the very end, the team went toe to toe and secured a result without major scares.
Xabi Alonso, who has not yet tasted defeat as a coach in the DFB Pokal, conducted the orchestra with great class. Moreover, young stars such as Florian Wirtz showed up alongside experienced players like Granit Xhaka, and everything points to Leverkusen being at a perfect balance level to face the next rounds of the competition.
Winning here, against Bayern, who have been very strong this season, is something special. Of course, we had to suffer, but we achieved our goal, and that's great. I'm very proud of the team. Sometimes it doesn't matter how you win; the main thing is that you win. We watched all of Bayern's games-they usually destroy their opponents. Surviving here isn't easy. It was hard for the players; they gave everything," said Xabi Alonso.